Acting in the Name of Christ
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 in the gospel today. 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 and act in the name of Jesus Christ and all will be well in our lives. Today's readings, especially the Gospel, present to us the following aspects.
1. Christ Gives Everything: Just a few days ago in the scriptures, Christ sent his disciples out to prepare the way for him “like lambs among wolves.” They must have been scared, but their experience of Christ’s love for them had driven them to go out anyway. Now, as they came back full of amazement at all they were able to accomplish, they realized that their faith in Christ was well-founded. Christ will always ask us for everything (he is God, after all), but the more we give the more we realize that he takes nothing away but transforms whatever we give into a greater blessing for us and the world. The apostles did not know what to expect as they set off down the dusty roads of Galilee. All they knew was that they had never met anyone like Christ. He had filled them with a love and confidence they had never experienced, and he wanted them to give that same experience to their countrymen. He told them they were to cure illnesses but imagine their wonder the first time they extended their hands over a sick man and raised him in the name of Christ! If they hadn’t obeyed, hadn’t trusted, hadn’t set out, hadn’t met the sick, hadn’t raised their hands in healing, they might have missed the ecstasy of giving glory to God by bringing his love and grace to others. We never know what Christ is going to do with us. All he asks is that we trust and obey.
2. Rejoice: Acting in the name of Christ makes us children of God and our names enter into the book of life. Although Christ did not hide from his disciples that they were going to do great things, he wanted them to realize that their greatest gift was not what they accomplished (healing lepers), but who they were (children of God). What an immense gift it is that we have been created, and what an even greater gift that there is a place prepared for us in heaven! We all long for a place to call home, for a place of safety where we are unconditionally loved. Christ has already prepared this place for us, and it is waiting for us after our little pilgrimage here on Earth ends. Christ is asking his disciples, and asking us, to keep our faith and confidence in his promise of eternal life, not in worldly success. When that time comes, we draw consolation from Christ’s promise: “Your names are written in heaven.”
3. “I Praise You, Father”: This is one of the Thanksgiving Prayer of Jesus in the Gospel. There are few times in the Gospels when it explicitly says that Christ rejoiced, and this is one of them. What could Christ have seen in these moments on Earth, so imperfect compared to Heaven, to make him rejoice? The disciples did not let the miracles Christ did through them go to their heads, and their humility filled Christ with joy! Christ loves a humble, childlike heart. When we strive to do the Lord’s will and ask him to bless our successes, along with our weakness, our failures, and imperfections, he rejoices.
Jesus' prayer also contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. What makes us ignorant and blind to the things of God? Sinful pride springs from being self-centered and holding an exaggerated view of oneself. Pride closes the mind to God's truth and wisdom for our lives. Lucifer, who was once the prince of angels, fell into pride because he did not want to serve God but wanted to be equal with God. Through his arrogant pride he led a whole host of angels to rebel against God. That is why the rebellious angels (whom Scripture calls evil spirits, devils, and demons) were cast out of heaven and thrown down to the earth. They seek to lead us away from God through pride and rebellion.
The Gospel points out intellectual pride, but we can add more others like being proud of your riches, status, ego centric life, negative pride of who you are and others. Brethren, Humility is the only pathway to know the hidden treasures in God to understand Him though not fully but to an extent necessary for us to gain eternal life. Today reflect on how you live and act in and for Christ and on what sinful pride that is in you that blocks your vision to see, understand and experience God.
Let us Pray
Lord, thank you for revealing your love to me. I want to make you smile, so help me to be more humble, more childlike, more simple. 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.
Be Blessed
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