Gospel LK 10:17-24
The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “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.”
Reflection
Have you ever wondered "Who is God?" Some normal answers are he is the Almighty, Our Father in Heaven, Our Creator. But do we really know who God is?
In the first reading, Job realizes exactly who God is, and with this realization, he says, "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered." In the Gospel, the disciples are in awe of the power of Jesus' Name. They say, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus is so patient with them and lovingly teaches them. He teaches them to stay focused on what is important. Jesus teaches them to give praise to the Father, Lord of heaven and earth.
In my mind, as I reflect on these readings, and how much suffering Job went through, and his knowledge of who God is and how he praises God in all things. There are the teachings of Jesus and how He is always giving His Father in Heaven Praise and Thanksgiving even in his suffering. It seems that this is one of the secrets to happiness. Giving praise and thanksgiving to God. Because of his repentance and praise to God, Job was blessed by God. The same can be said about Jesus, and how the Father in Heaven has given Him power over all. Praise and thanksgiving to God should be something we do always and teach our children.
So many times I have felt discouraged by things that happen in my life and instead of praising God in the storm, I get sucked into worry and complaining about the circumstances at hand. Does it make me feel better to wallow in the complaining and discouragement? Absolutely not! It breeds sadness and despair. I am still realizing and learning who God is and who I am. Praise God in his goodness for having Mercy on us all and helping us always to learn to Praise Him.
God Bless.
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