Return With Rejoicing

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” Jesus 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 

I arrived home bleary eyed after a trip on the red-eye. Somehow though, it all vanishes when one is enfolded in hugs and get to sit at the table with family and laugh. There are always challenges in engaging in mission, setting forth to uncharted territories. And there is also the amazing possibility of good, transforming work done while being surrounded by the love and prayers of family and community.

Jesus has sent out seventy who returned, overjoyed, overwhelmed and amazed. More than likely they were also living on fumes. They had trusted and done good work and felt the true joy of loving service. He reminds them that their joy is a gift as are the miracles they have witnessed. Being embedded in the love of God is the greatest gift of all.

Today I ask for strength in the midst of weariness and gratitude in response to all that is ahead. Ma we understand that we are held in the heart of God and that all we are able to do is a result of divine love for us and for the world.