Hidden from the Wise

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
In that same hour he 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.” Luke 10:17-24

Because of where we live, daily we encounter people on vacation, struggling to have a good time. Folks who haven't been on bicycles in years, rent them, and we pass them arguing as they ride, exhausted and frustrated. I see people waiting in long lines for a table at a fancy restaurant while locals go into a simple shops and delightfully sit in a shady spot eating their hoagie. I watch as folks bring tons of items to the beach, carefully setting things up, with all the right gismos, only to stomp off after something forgotten. Meanwhile on our early morning stroll the dog delights in a stranded horse shoe crab, frightened and curious at the same time, as we right it and sent it back crawling slowly to the water. Love and life are most enjoyed by simple pleasures by simple hearts and minds.

The disciples return with stories of miracles and astounding adventures. Their hearts and minds are filled with excitement and possibility. Jesus reminds them in prayer that God's love is most known in tender and simple relationships and the willingness to encounter with the eyes and heart of a child, where judgment is suspended and possibilities are welcomed. God is able to demonstrate powerful love in the simplest of places.

Today, as I enjoy time with our granddaughter, may I remember that she has much to reveal to us about God's love, and her understanding, despite her lack of language at this point, is deep and full. May I always open my heart and eyes as a child. May we all open ourselves to the daily miracles of life and love that surround us.