＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17

This was

The answer Job gave to Yahweh: I know that you are all powerful;

no plan of yours can be thwarted. I spoke of things

I did not understand, too wonderful for me to know.

My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.

Therefore I retract all I have said, and in dust and ashes repent.

 

Yahweh blessed Job's latter days much more than his earlier ones.

He came to own fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels,

a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-donkeys.

He was also blessed with seven sons and three daughters.

The first daughter he named Dove, the second Cinnamon,

 

and the third Bottle of Perfume. Nowhere in the land was there found

any woman who could compare in beauty with Job's daughters.

Their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.

Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their

children to the fourth generation. He died old and full of years.

 

Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130

Lord, let your face shine on me.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

 Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy. They said,

"Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we called on your name."

Then Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

You see, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome

all the power of the Enemy, so that nothing will harm you. Nevertheless,

don't rejoice because the evil spirits submit to you;

rejoice, rather, that your names are written in heaven."

 

At that time, Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said,

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned,

and made them known to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.

I have been given all things by my Father, so that no one knows the Son except the Father,

 

and no one knows the Father except the Son, and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said to them privately,

"Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets

and kings would have liked to see what you see, but did not see it;

and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

The joy we experience is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

To share in the mission of Christ is always a gift and a privilege.

Being sent and seeing how these bear fruit truly brings consolation to those being sent.

The disciples have experienced this themselves; they were full of joy.

This is the experience of anyone who is sent

by Jesus and takes part in the mission wholeheartedly,

 

according to their state of life. As much as we find joy in sharing,

we also find joy in witnessing how our work bears fruit.

The joy we experience is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift that draws us not

only to give ourselves to the mission continually

but also to praise the God who made it all possible.