Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27
On that occasion, Jesus said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I praise you; because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to simple people. Yes, Father, this was your gracious will.
Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father; and no one knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Reflections
“Things revealed to the simple ones.”
The dawning of the kingdom of God reveals God’s plan of salvation enacted by Jesus in preaching, teaching and healing ministry. The gospel reading today establishes the credibility of Jesus as the “instrument of revelation and knowledge of God” (Brendan Byrne). Citing his knowledge of the Father and the Father’s knowledge of Jesus, he grounds his messianic ministry. Brendan Byrne commented that Jesus and the Father are “locked in a mutual exchange of knowledge.”This means that Jesus and the Father share a relationship of undivided unity. They are intimately one. And this is the basis of Jesus credibility as bringer of the God’s reign. It is grounded on his relationship with the Father.
Even in our time we can share in this relationship of love and knowledge of Jesus and the Father through the Spirit working in us. A prayerful life, a life lived in integrity and honesty, a life lived in service of all creation, humans and nonhumans alike — all these are concrete instances of sharing in this relationship. Participating in the relationship of love of the Father and Jesus (and the Spirit) will help us re- orient our lives toward things of authentic value.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019