Joy That Is Complete – Missionary Commentary for Sunday, July 6

Joy That Is Complete

This Sunday’s readings animated my mind and heart as I prepared this commentary. There are so many positive images: being carried in God’s arms and fondled in God’s lap; songs of joy and praise spontaneously come from my being as a I recognize the wonderous deeds that God has done for me; I have been freed of some bothersome health issues which have plagued me for a while. Even my understanding of the cross of Jesus in my life has become clearer to me and I have no doubt about the demands of being a missionary disciple for the Reign of God. It is good to know that I am called by God to do my part in sharing God’s love to those around me.

But then, I watch the news (sorry but I can’t not watch the news!), and I sigh deeply as I see how far our world is from living the reign of God. One more area of conflict arises and more innocent women, men and children are killed or maimed for life. It is frustrating and I must confess, this taints the joy that I feel as I witness so many good people who are dedicated to God’s plan of love and peace for everyone.

As I continue to ponder this, I remembered my 32 years of living in Brazil in the Amazon area. There were so many women and men who were giving their lives to spread God’s project of liberation for all. There was so much joy in celebrating the patron saint of our base communities. We laughed and danced together during the season of June of the corn harvesting. We enjoyed the months when acai and fried fish were in season. Together we journeyed sometimes moving ahead miles at a time. And then something would happen like political corruption, children dying for lack of the basic medical equipment to treat them, and the assassination of many community leaders like Sr. Dorothy Stang and Dom Oscar Romero.

This is the life of a missionary disciple. Although I do not live in Brazil anymore, I feel the same pattern of joy and sadness, peace and indignation, hope and despair, success and failure as I live out the current mission given to me. What a joy and sign of hope with Pope Leo XIV! What despair with national and world leaders who do not have the common good in their hearts. But can I boast of anything but the cross of Jesus Christ? Can I renounce my missionary call because it is too hard? Should I close my eyes to today’s reality because it is too painful to embrace? The temptation to flee from reality is there, but God’s love and power is stronger.

Let us take time to ponder, think and meditate on what is ours to do, so that our joy may be complete as God’s disciples. We all are unique persons and only I can do what is mine to do. No one can do it for me. God is counting on us.

Notes on the Readings

First Reading, Isaiah 66:10-14c
It is not just the power of the Lord that Isaiah transmits to God’s people, but God’s great love. The people have been taken into slavery, have lost their homeland and the comfort of returning to their past life is a sign that God is near. Their desire to once again have a full and abundant life is so strong. “When you see this, your heart will rejoice.” 

Responsorial, Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20
Today’s psalm is very clear about the foundation of the throne of the King: Justice and Judgment. Justice requires a judgment, but the judgment must be just. This is God’s way according to Divine justice and judgment. When we live this dynamic, God’s glory is exalted and there can be peace.

Second Reading, Galatians 6:14-18
In the first reading and the psalm we hear of God’s power to save us and give us abundant blessings in many forms. St. Paul introduces another aspect: the cross of Jesus Christ. This crucifixion lived by St. Paul is the true way of receiving peace and mercy. It seems paradoxical, but it is the only way that we will receive the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel, Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
This Gospel sounds like a Discipleship 101 class! Jesus gives a detailed explanation of the behavior of the disciples who follow him. The 72 followed his orientation and were quite successful, but as Jesus clearly says, their apparent cures and successes are not as important as being welcomed into the Kingdom and recognized for becoming disciples.

Commentary by Sr. Nancy Schramm, osf., a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart from Frankfort, Illinois and past president of USCMA. A missionary for 30 years in the Amazon region, she now contributes to various ministries including volunteering at Sacred Heart Mission Church in Pembroke Township, Il.; supporting formation of new members and adult formation in the Associate program of her congregation; as well as serving as a spiritual director and as a translator for various religious congregations.