St.Francis Xavier
Readings:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Luke 10:21-24
Reflection
Hiding things from the learned and clever might seem a difficult task. For example, most parents know much more about their children’s behaviour than their son or daughter realises, but the parents often choose to keep things hidden and quiet. Teachers observe much more than any student imagines. Partners remain silent about some faults and generally tend to follow the advice of Pope St. John XXIII, who once said, “See everything and overlook a great deal.”
Today’s reading finds Jesus rejoicing in this idea of ‘hidden things’ and their discovery by others—but with a twist. No longer is the core of God’s plan something to be ‘learned’ or subjected to esoteric theories and interpretations. It is not a new ‘law’ in the sense of being codified, memorised, and recited by heart (but ignored in practice), then interpreted through various perspectives and debated.
God’s plan for our good, both now and in eternity, is something radically simple. Those with an open mind, open heart, and open will are most likely to ‘see’ it and discover its power.
Jesus finds such openness in children’s playing, and it seems to be the dynamic of their play that inspires him to pray as we hear today. Playing together is based on openness to others, inclusion, welcome, acceptance of differences, and unity forged by a common task. These dynamics not only enable children to overlook a great deal but are also necessary to build the Reign of God in our world.
The message—revealed to those whose faith allows them to embrace these values but hidden from those who prefer their own ways and opinions—is not a written one. Rather, the message is Jesus himself. Learning this message requires lifestyle changes, openness, and humility.
He hides nothing from us if we are humble enough to become ‘mere children.’
Fr. Denis Travers C.P. is the provincial of the Passionists of Holy Spirit Province.