Saturday, 5 October 2024. Readings: Job 42:1-3,5-6,12-17, Ps. 119:66,71,75,91,125,130, Luke 10:17-24
“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’” (Luke 10:17)
Both our readings today are set on a tone of joy and happiness. Finally, God restores everything Job had lost. Within a twinkle of an eye, Job went from being the most pathetic man on earth to the richest man. In his later life, Job was blessed with seven sons and three daughters, the fairest of all the women on earth. From a near-death experience, Job was gifted an additional one hundred and forty years.
- In sending out the seventy, they must have wondered how they would survive without a bag, a wallet, an extra tunic, or even some loaves of bread. Today, they return with joy. The experience taught them about God’s providence. If God gives you an assignment, trust He will provide everything you need. You will have dark moments but, ultimately, realize that God knew exactly what He was doing. “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” (Psalm 125:1)
- The seventy also learned that there is power in the name of Jesus. They were surprised that demons submitted to them. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10). Do you still believe there is power in the name of Jesus? When was the last time you called on Jesus with faith? Avoid using this name as a mere exclamation. Call on Jesus with reverence.
- Jesus cautioned the seventy not to rejoice in their ability to command evil spirits but in the fact that their names were written in the Book of Life. Do not glory in being a prayer warrior; glory instead in making heaven. “On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.” (Matthew 7:22-23). Many Christians take pride in doing mighty works today but will be disappointed on the last day.
- Upon the return of the seventy, Jesus offered a prayer of Thanksgiving to God to teach us the importance of showing appreciation to God. Do not develop an entitlement mentality. Refusal to give thanks leads to pride. You start feeling that having done a successful mission, you are now greater than others. Do you know what becomes of proud people? Mary said: “He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.” (Luke 1:51-52)
- Jesus’s thanksgiving prayer emphasizes receiving God with a childlike attitude (humility). Jesus once said to his disciples: “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). Now, we hear Jesus saying: “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.” (Luke 10:21).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to trust in you completely, knowing that whatever we face now will soon turn into laughter and joy. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 26 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Job 42:1-3,5-6,12-17, Ps. 119:66,71,75,91,125,130, Luke 10:17-24).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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