Returning with Joy

The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 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, Jesus said to them 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, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’ Luke 10:17-24

Returning home after a long time away, whether it is just at the end of a long day or a faraway journey, there is always something so comforting and joyful. We can be ourselves, stripped of all the organization, control and putting up with the misbehavior of others. We can let our hair down, get comfortable, and reflect on what has transpired. The simple joys of life are a home - family, simple food and familiar surroundings. The disciples were sent out to do an impossible task, and yet, when coming home, they realized how extraordinary their adventures had been. God had given them what they needed and more. Today, whether we are safe at home, or on an impossible mission, God promises to provide what we need, even when we feel ill-equipped, lost and stumbling around at home.

Gracious Creator, you give us all we need for each new day

whether we are comfortably at home or among strangers

your spirit dwells deep within each and every heart.

The world cannot see your overflowing and constant love

money, transactions and dominance are primary today

yet inside people ache to hear good news and to be loved.

Fill us again with your spirit, Lord, for we are weary

give us your joy again, dear Lord, for our spirits sag

make us joyful instruments of love which people can see and hear today. Amen.