Reflection for October 3 Saturday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:17-24

Gospel: Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. 

Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.

Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

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Reflection:

Why did Jesus caution His disciples not to rejoice in their human triumphs? Perhaps one reason was that they could be tempted to take pride in what they had accomplished.

It was as if Jesus was telling them: When we carry out our mission, let us never forget to remain humble. Let us not seek personal or collective honors, recognition, or praise. We were not called to be His followers so that we could reap honors. We were called to bring people to Jesus—not for our own glory, but simply to lead our fellowmen closer to Him.

This is also very much applicable to us. Let us not take pride because we have brought people closer to Jesus. Let us not take pride because we have influenced others to read the Bible, attend Holy Mass, pray more deeply, or take their faith more seriously. Whenever we become instruments in helping others come closer to God, let us remember that it is His grace working through us. We are only instruments; the glory belongs to God.

There is always a danger that our good works, even our service to God, can become a source of pride. We may begin by serving with sincere hearts, but little by little, we may desire recognition, praise, or appreciation. This is why Jesus reminds us to remain humble. Our mission is never about making ourselves known; it is about making Jesus known.

If we faithfully follow this directive of Jesus, we leave no room for the sin of pride and arrogance to take root in our lives. Instead, our hearts become more open to God's grace, and our service becomes more sincere, selfless, and pleasing to Him.

And what will remain? Humility—only humility. Humility must always be our guiding light as we live out our discipleship. May we always remember that we are not called to seek recognition for ourselves, but to point others toward Jesus. May everything we do in His name lead people not to admire us, but to love Him more deeply. 

As we serve, evangelize, teach, encourage, pray, and help others grow in faith, are we quietly pointing people toward Jesus, or are we beginning to draw their attention toward ourselves? And when God uses us to touch another person's life, are we humble enough to step aside and let Him receive all the glory?—Marino J. Dasmarinas