Revealed and Hidden

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Luke 10:17-24

The hotel where we are staying will alert you when the northern lights appear. I saw them before when I was visiting here years ago but I would love to have that experience again. Right now they seem hidden from view, and nothing I can do will change that. Their beauty, the dancing light show across the sky is a gift for us all and is hidden to those in a hurry or occupied otherwise.

Jesus welcomes back the seventy two and prays with gratitude for their willingness and their simple faith. Recognizing the power that has been bestowed on them by the hand of God, he reminds them of the blessing they have received. He also reminds them to continue to be humble and grateful for the power and presence of God in their lives. They were connected to the source and were encouraged to see that power and capacity is a gift from God. We too are reminded today to be grateful for the gifts we have received and be expectant and hopeful like children. We are blessed by God, everyone, and asked simply to remember all that we have is through God's gracious and abundant love and power.

Today, as we gather to deliberate and pray together, I ask God to grant us patience and to have hearts open like children. We humans are prone to anxiety and trying to taking control of things out of our control. May we let go of control, waiting and watching like little children. May we delight in the gifts of this day and rejoice in the power and promises we have been given. And ay we continued to be called by God in the service of others.