Gospel 

Luke 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.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel reading presents Jesus' response to the 72 disciples' triumphant return. They rejoiced in their authority over demons, but Jesus shifts their focus.

The True Source of Joy:

Jesus says:

- Don't rejoice in demonic submission, but in heaven's recognition

- Your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20)

The Father's Gracious Will:

Jesus praises the Father for:

- Revealing truth to the childlike

- Hiding it from the wise and learned

- Handing all things over to the Son

Intimacy with the Father:

Jesus shares:

- The Son's unique relationship with the Father

- The Father's exclusive knowledge of the Son

- The Son's authority to reveal the Father

Blessed to See and Hear:

Jesus tells the disciples:

- They witness what prophets and kings longed to see

- They hear what others never heard

Implications for Us:

- Recognize the true source of joy: heaven's recognition

- Cultivate childlike faith and humility

- Cherish intimacy with God

- Appreciate the privilege of witnessing God's work

May we rejoice in heaven's perspective, humbly acknowledging God's gracious will.

Lord Jesus, help us rejoice in heaven's recognition.

May our faith be childlike, trusting Your gracious will.

Grant us intimacy with You and the Father. Amen.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we rejoice in heaven's recognition, grateful our names are written in heaven.

Help us cultivate childlike faith, trusting Your gracious will.

Deepen our intimacy with You and Jesus.

May we cherish the privilege of witnessing Your work.

We pray for:

- Heaven's perspective in our lives

- Childlike faith and humility

- Intimacy with You and Jesus

- Gratitude for witnessing Your work

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Prayer for Childlike Faith:

Lord, create in me a humble heart, O God. Grant me childlike faith, trusting Your goodness. May Your love and mercy guide me toward eternal life.

Amen.

Prayer for Intimacy:

Father, draw me closer to Your heart.

Help me deepen my relationship with You and Jesus. May Your presence fill my life. Amen.

 + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ