Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Have you been through a phase in life when everything around you seems to be dark and dreary – except for that one faint ray of light? And that ray of light sheds a little hope on everything around you that is bleak? We get that sense as we read today’s gospel reading. Apart from the birth of Jesus and the few miracles, the story of Jesus is dominated by doubt, opposition, betrayal and suffering. Perhaps for this reason, the classical images of Jesus do not show him laughing, rejoicing or even smiling. The gospel story does not allow us the reason to imagine Jesus in a lighter mood. Unless of course, we give today’s gospel reading its worth. It is not just about some happiness, or a smile or a laughter. It is about rejoicing… joy from the heart! Imagine Jesus and his disciples bursting out in laughter out of pure joy!
It is also worth reflecting on the reason for Jesus joy. The reason is two-fold. First, Jesus is getting somewhere with his disciples. He had trained them and then sent them two-by-two with this message: “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you!” The disciples went, accomplished the task assigned to them and then came back rejoicing. For Jesus, this must have brought great contentment because he sees the progress him and his disciples have made. Second, today’s gospel reading says that when the disciples came back rejoicing Jesus said, “Behold, I have seen Satan fall like lightening….” Perhaps, this is greater reason for rejoicing than any other reason. Finally, Jesus sees a ray of light in the midst of all the darkness. The task for which he came was finally being accomplished. The human race will finally be set free from the dominion of darkness and the Kingdom of God will finally be established.
What does this mean for us? This means that we are partners with God in Christ’s work of redemption. If we are disciples, there is a reason for our discipleship. Our task is to be one with Jesus’ work of redeeming the world of its evil. When and where there is no evil there is much reason for rejoicing not only for ourselves but also for God.
There are a few things we can do, then, as a result of our reflection. Perhaps we can become aware of at least one or two evils in us or around us. Second, we can become aware of our own discipleship and the mission Christ has given us. Yes, let us become aware of both these realities. If by the grace of God we can tackle evil in and around us then in this dark and dreary world we might be that ray of light that the world need. In this world that is reeling under violence, bigotry and injustice we might be the reason for joy.
- Fr. Satish Joseph