Return of the Seventy two

Today's Reflections

Return of the Seventy two 

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Lk 10:17-24

¹⁷The seventy[-two] [disciples] returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” ¹⁸Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. ¹⁹Behold, 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. ²⁰Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

²¹At 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. ²²All 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.”

²³Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. ²⁴For 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:

Rejoice. The second batch of disciples (aside from the Twelve) who are sent out for mission return overjoyed after experiencing success in performing miracles like exorcism. Jesus corrects these disciples by pointing out to them that the right reason for rejoicing lies in the hope of reaching heaven. The proper perspective counts, for doing miracles can sometimes blind some people to make them miss heaven by being arrogant and proud (see Mt 7:22-23).

Thus Jesus stresses the virtues of childlike disciples. Pride and ambition marked the downfall of Satan. Jesus’ followers should continue to be childlike to remain on course toward heaven. In fact, seeing and being with Jesus is a foretaste of heaven. Jesus is the Father’s image, and beatific vision is for those who are in heaven where there is complete joy.

Spiritual childhood does not mean

weakness, softness, or ignorance.

What does it involve?