Your Name are written in heaven (alternative)

Gospel

Luke 10:17-24

Rejoice that your names are written in heaven

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said:

‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, ‘Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

Reflection

This passage invites us to shift our joy away from the power or success we experience over evil spirits, and instead rejoice that our names are written in heaven — a sign of our belonging to God and eternal life. Jesus reveals that true happiness is found in the intimate relationship with God and the revelation of His mysteries to the humble. We are reminded that the spiritual blessings we receive are gifts of grace, not just signs of spiritual victories.Reflection

Question for reflection

How can I cultivate deeper joy in God’s presence and assurance of salvation rather than in external signs of spiritual power or success?

Short PrayerLord, help me to rejoice not in my achievements or victories but in knowing that my name is written in heaven. Open my heart to your truth and grace, and keep me humble and faithful to your call. Amen.

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