His Happiest Moment

I recently asked what Jesus would have called his proudest moment.

That was, as my daughter sometimes says, "a toughie."

I soon found myself asking this follow-up question:

"OK, and what was his happiest moment?"

That one is much easier to answer, so this reflection will be short.

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

Of all the deeds and words that have been recorded by Gospel writers, I gather that this is the passage that shows Jesus to be most full of joy.

When does it take place? It takes place after the disciples he sent out (in his own name) return — with exciting news to report.

Luke 10:17
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

So Jesus' joy follows on the heels of his disciples' joy.

And why are they themselves so joyful?

The disciples are full of joy because they discovered that the power of Jesus went with them, even when Jesus was not around.

So why is this the high point in Jesus' three years of ministry?

I think Jesus was beside himself with joy because he was, for the first time, watching his Church in action.

Granted, the church is properly understood to have its birth in Acts, but Jesus wasn't around for that part. Not bodily, at least.

So Jesus was getting the sneak preview. Watching the movie trailer. And he was beside himself with joy, in anticipation of the upcoming full-screen release.

Not everyone is always happy to hear the word "church". Frankly, I understand why. I've had a few "church" run-ins, myself.

But while "little c" church antics can wreck us on rocks of despair...

It's good for all of us (myself especially) to remember this:

The happiest moment in Jesus' life (that we have recorded, anyway) was when he saw his true Church in action for the first time.

May God help me to be part of that joy-inducing Church.

...And give Jesus another good reason to smile.