Gospel: Luke 10:17-24

 

Previously Jesus had sent 72 disciples. They now return from their mission and give an account of it. The proof of the success of their mission is due to the experience of the superiority and supremacy of the name of Jesus in regard to the power of evil. 

 

The defeat of Satan coincides with the coming of the Kingdom and the disciples have seen it in their present mission. The diabolical forces have been weakened and the demons have submitted to the power of the name of Jesus. 

 

Such a conviction cannot be the foundation of their joy and the enthusiasm of their missionary witness though.  Joy has its last root or origin in the fact of being known and loved by God. 

 

Here is inserted the mediation of Jesus between God and us: “Look, I have given you power” (v. 19). The power of Jesus is one that makes us experience success in regard to the devil’s power and He protects us. Jesus has been present in the fall of Satan, even if he is not as yet definitively defeated or overcome. 

 

We are called to hinder and be an obstacle to the power of Satan on earth. We are sure of the victory in spite of the fact that we live in a critical situation. We participate in obtaining victory in the communion of love with Christ even though we may be tried by suffering and death. The reason for joy is not in the certainty of coming out unharmed but of being loved by God.