Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 10: 17-24
October 7, 2023 | Saturday
The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy. They said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we called on your name.” Then Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. You see, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the Enemy so that nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, don’t rejoice because the evil spirits submit to you; rejoice, rather, that your names are written in heaven.”
At that time, Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them known to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. I have been given all things by my Father, so that no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son, and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said to them privately, “Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see, but did not see it; and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me; and he who rejects me, rejects the one who sent me.”
Today’s Reflection:
Despite the possibility of rejection, the 72 disciples returned from their mission joyful and grateful. They have witnessed the power of God working in their mission. They have successfully defeated the works of the Evil One because they invoked the name of the Lord. Jesus clarified that the disciples ought to rejoice because their names are in the Book of Life, an image of salvation, more than the capacity to do mighty deeds.
Discipleship may have high demands. It may cost much, but it is nothing compared to the fulfillment that only God can give. The disciples witnessed firsthand God’s graciousness. As we travel the path of discipleship, let us remember our consolation—God Himself. /Vulnerasti, 2023.
