Daily Gospel Reflection for October 4, 2014

Today's Gospel: Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-­two disciples returned from their mission rejoicing and said to Jesus,“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” These men were blown away by the power in the very name of Jesus. Jesus saw Satan actually falling from heaven, falling “lightning” fast. The mission of the seventy-­two was but a preview of what was to come because Jesus saw Satan as being defeated completely , his power and authority overthrown once and for all.

If the destruction of Satan was good news and cause for rejoicing, their salvation was even better news, and cause for an even deeper joy. Initially, the disciples were caught up in the fact that in Christ’s name they had power over evil but Jesus told them gently that they should be rejoicing in their relationship with God, rejoicing that they now belonged to God.

Those whom we would have expected to recognize Jesus as Messiah, the wise and learned, did not. Little children, who we might have overlooked or discounted, recognized exactly who Jesus was . Without education and the wisdom of the world, they recognized Jesus as God’s salvation.

When I read Jesus words to his disciples, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it,” it always brings tears to my eyes. We are so privileged to recognize and receive Jesus as the Messiah. We also rejoice in the salvation that the Old Testament saints yearned to see, but did not. We too see with our eyes and hear with our ears the fulfillment of the hope of the all the ages. This is a reason for exuberant joy.

Ponder:

Do I take my salvation for granted? Do I realize how blessed I am to have been born with such a richness of Christian heritage and tradition gone before me?

Pray:

Lord shine your light on unbelievers. Grant them eyes to see and ears to hear and give me the right words to write so I may be a flame of light that reveals you.

Copyright 2014 Melanie Jean Juneau