The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 

“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
(Luke 10:17)
 

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

The 72 disciples had gone out to Samaria on a mission, as labourers in the harvest. There was a history of animosity between the Jewish and Samaritan people, who avoided each other where they could. Yet Jesus sends the disciples out to this area. His mission is to all nations. Our mission is the same. All are included.

What is the difference between happiness and joy? Happiness is something that is in the moment, a temporary emotion, like eating an ice cream. Joy is a much more profound emotion that fills one’s inner self, even when faced with difficulties. This joy is a gift of the Spirit and is an ongoing inner foundation. You live your life from this stability and strength. It is a gift.

Notice the joy with which the disciples return. They have been received by many and have witnessed the healing, both spiritual and physical, that has occurred through what they have shared about Jesus. How exciting for them to witness this! They have shared their peace with others, not without setbacks and demands, and return filled with joy as well. They are as gifted as those to whom they brought gifts! When have I experienced this?

Jesus has a vision of what their work has done: “I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ... Yet do not rejoice that spirits submit to you; rejoice instead that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18,20) Jesus emphasises that our joy is not to be in the power, which is in God’s creative love, that he gives to us, but rather in knowing that we are part of God’s reign, “The kingdom of God is very near to you”. (Luke 10:10) That is our joy! We are dancing within the dance of our Trinitarian God. Do I value this gift of ongoing peace and joy?

Who are “all nations” for me? Does this include all those on the fringes of society, those different from me?

Recall times of outreach and reflect on my attitudes toward myself and others as I went about it. Did I offer the peace of God? What was the Good News that I brought?

Look deep within and be grateful for the joy that you find there.

Reflections by Kath Knowles

Joyous, dancing Trinitarian God,
Thank you for your gifts of peace and joy. We ask that these gifts may continually deepen as we reach out in our individual and collective missions to bring the Good News of your intense love for and nearness to each of us. 

May we bring our hope of peace and joy in you to others.
Amen.
 

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