Job 42: 1-3.5-6.12-17,
Psalm 119:66.71.75.91.125.130,
Luke 10:17-24 Full Readings
Why Do We Rejoice?
Brethren, the beautiful story of Job poses several questions to us as we live in times where religious beliefs are not taken seriously and believers only seek a life devoid of suffering – a crossless Christianity, to put it simply. Job tells us that steadfast belief in God is a sure way of spiritual comfort in times of sorrow despite earthly suffering. Furthermore, we must learn that the spirit may flow anywhere it wishes; to some it’s a time for replenishment like Job, to some it is an avenue for signs and wonders like the disciples. The cases of Job and that of the disciples speak to us about having a fervent relationship with God that guarantees our place with our heavenly Father. Outward representation may be short-lived, but the inner satisfaction is so rewarding that it cannot be compared to the outward show. It invites us to always trust in God, and it is when we experience that God can never leave us as his children even when life seems so unfair like Job, and this is what we should rejoice at.
Most of our lives are spent, in some manner, tracking our accomplishments: crossing items off of our “to do” lists, adding another skill to our resume, putting a little more money in the bank, going for parties, receiving a long phone call from a beloved friend and all other things that make us happy and feel pleasure. More selflessly, perhaps, we strive to meet a spiritual goal like going on a pilgrimage, or volunteering, or donating talent or treasure. We know it is our duty each day to choose good over evil, and we pray the Our Father and ask God to help us avoid temptation and sin. There is no harm in delighting in the good things we have done and the evils we have avoided, as long as we give God the glory. But Jesus in today's Gospel, asks that we find our deepest joy by looking forward, not back: our hope is Heaven, and that is cause for rejoicing. He emphasizes this in his response to the disciples who came rejoicing that demons were subject to them in Jesus' name. Jesus responds: "rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
How often do we rejoice at the spiritual achievements we achieve and the heavenly virtues which prepare us to enter heaven? Nothing can give us greater joy than the knowledge that we are God's beloved and that our names are written in heaven. The Lord Jesus has ransomed us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death and has adopted us as God's beloved sons and daughters. That is why we no longer belong to ourselves - but to God alone. This should give us more joy that any other thing which can ever happen to us. Power over the evil one and other gifts and talents is not the end goal. Heaven is. Growth in holiness and virtue are the primary goals we must have in life which will give us eternal rejoicing.
Reflect today, on what you rejoice at! Though we can always rejoice on earthly things and achievements, let us always remember that our highest rejoicing should be that our names are written in heaven as children of God. If your name is not yet written, it is time to work for it.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, I know you have a place for me in heaven—help me to keep my eyes on that prize, and never let that star be covered by the clouds of the world or my own selfishness and pride, but always rejoice at that prize.
Be Blessed
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