Gospel: Luke 10:17-24
The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy. They said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we called on your name.” Then Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. You see, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the Enemy, so that nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, don’t rejoice because the evil spirits submit to you; rejoice, rather, that your names are written in heaven.”
At that time, Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them
known to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. I have been given all things by my Father, so that no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except
the Son, and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said to them privately, “Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see, but
did not see it; and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Reflection
The joy we experience is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
To share in the mission of Christ is always a gift and a privilege. Being sent and seeing how these bear fruit truly brings consolation to those being sent. The disciples have experienced this themselves; they were full of joy. This is the experience of anyone who is sent by Jesus and takes part in the mission wholeheartedly, according to their state of life. As much as we find joy in sharing, we also find joy in witnessing how our work bears fruit. The joy we experience is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift that draws us not only to give ourselves to the mission continually
but also to praise the God who made it all possible.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2026