Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ ,
Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20)
Have you ever noticed how a small child can become totally absorbed in a new gift? He or she will hold onto it and play with it all day, forgetting about everything else—maybe even the person who gave it! It will become that child’s favorite toy until another one takes its place. This process continues until the child grows up and realizes that there is so much more to life than toys and games.
This is one way to understand the disciples’ excitement over their newly given power to heal and cast out evil spirits. It wouldn’t be hard to see them getting carried away with this gift. Imagine seeing people bound up by the forces of darkness suddenly becoming free. Or someone who has been ill for years recovers completely as you pray. You might start thinking of yourself as an exorcist or a healer. You might even get so caught up in this gift that you forget where it came from!
Of course, none of those gifts are small things. But neither are they the biggest things. The biggest, most valuable gift you have been given is that your name is written in heaven. No other gift, big or small, can ever match it. Because of it, you now have the privilege of calling almighty God your Father. Because of it, the Holy Spirit now dwells in your heart, filling you with God’s own love and wisdom. And because of it, you are now part of a huge, loving family—the Church!
When was the last time that you took Jesus’ advice and rejoiced because your name is written in heaven? Whatever other gifts, talents, or favors the Lord has given you, this one outshines them all. So let him know how much you treasure it! Devote your prayer today to praising and thanking the Lord for your heavenly inheritance. Sing a hymn of thanksgiving to God. Adopt as your own the words of a psalm of praise. Or use your own words to tell him how grateful you are. You are a child of God, destined for heaven. How could you not rejoice?
“Father, I praise you for raising me up from my sin and bringing me into the awesome splendor of your kingdom! All glory and honor to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”
Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69:33-37
Father Ed Bakker
