The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing

THE disciples sent by Jesus now return from their mission. They are happy to report how successful they have been. They are surprised that even the demons have been subject to them in Jesus’ name.

The disciples have gotten a glimpse of how God’s Kingdom is expanding in their midst through their efforts. Jesus tells them that they should not stop at their success. His disciples should rejoice because God has entitled them to enter God’s dwelling place in heaven. Their names have been enrolled there.

Gospel • LUKE 10:17-24

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 except the Father, and who the Father is except 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.”