The Joy of Simple Faith - Luke 10:21-24

Saint Francis Xavier, Priest on Tuesday of the First Week of Advent (Year C)(I) - 3 December

From the Gospel according to Luke

In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
Then turning to the disciples he said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.’

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage follows immediately after the return of the seventy-two disciples from their mission (Luke 10:1-20), where they reported successful ministry experiences, including authority over demons. The context is crucial as it shows Jesus' response to their success and reveals intimate details about the relationship between the Father and Son.

This passage has a close parallel in Matthew 11:25-27, but Luke's account is unique in several ways. First, only Luke mentions Jesus rejoicing "in the Holy Spirit," adding a distinctive spiritual dimension to the moment. Second, Luke places this teaching in the context of the disciples' successful mission, providing a clear narrative framework for Jesus' expression of joy. Finally, Luke adds a private statement to the disciples about their blessed position (verses 23-24), emphasizing the privileged nature of their witness to Jesus' ministry. These distinctive elements in Luke's account highlight his particular emphasis on the Holy Spirit's work and the special significance of being direct witnesses to Jesus' ministry.

Today’s Reflection: