Return of the seventy-two
THE seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is expect the Father, and who the Father is expect the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
REFLECTION YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN. The disciples are justifiably proud of what they have accomplished during their preaching and healing mission. But Jesus reminds them that the real cause for rejoicing is not the miracles they have performed or their subjugation of unclean spirits, but the fact that God looks on them with favor, writing their names in the Book of Life.
We honor today our Blessed Mother who brings us closer to Jesus through the Holy Rosary. Some look at praying the Rosary as mere mechanical repetition. But when said with the proper contemplation of the mysteries, the Rosary lifts and moves our hearts to a greater love, not just of the Blessed Mother, but of her Son (indeed of the Most Holy Trinity). The name itself, “rosary,” should also evoke in us that heartfelt offering of fragrant roses or flowers to the most beautiful and loving Mother and our own giving of self to God for having created us and made us in his image and likeness.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls. ph.