A reading from the gospel according to Luke 10:21-24
21 Jesus 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.
22 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.”
23 Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
24 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.”
Reflection: The Eyes of Faith
Jesus is rejoicing in the Holy Spirit and praising God, the Father, Lord of heaven and earth because His disciples were successful in their initial mission (Luke 10:1-20). He appreciates so much that the disciples, simple people as they were, have childlike faith which enabled them to see what other people including the wise and the learned would otherwise not see. Moreover, with childlike faith, the disciples performed miracles including the casting out of demons.
The gospel of Saint John tells us that “we have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). It is only with the eyes of faith that we can see the glory of God. Yet these eyes of faith come only from God Himself through Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a GIFT which anyone can ask for. When we are baptized and afterward receive the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will grant us spiritual gifts including faith. Then we grow in faith when we continually make ourselves empty of pride and other sinful matters and ask God to fill us with His presence.
Jesus calls those with the eyes of faith blessed. More often than not, selfishness and material things make us spiritually blind. How awful life could be when we are blind, isn’t it? On the other hand, we are full of joy when our eyes are opened and we see the truth which others can not see or refuse to see. This is the very reason why Jesus “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” and started praising the Father. He was actually rejoicing with the seventy-two disciples whose eyes were open to see that the kingdom of God was at work through them!
We pray that our eyes be opened too so that we can know more about the Holy Trinity. May our hearts be filled with joy because the Kingdom of God is in our midst. Amen.
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Jesus exults with profound joy, praising God for revealing His truth to those with childlike hearts. He celebrates that the mysteries of the kingdom are hidden from the “wise and learned” but revealed to the humble and receptive. These verses remind us of the beauty of a simple, trusting faith and invite us to approach God with wonder and openness.
The world often equates wisdom with complexity, valuing intellect, achievements, and status. But in God’s kingdom, the heart’s posture matters most. Jesus rejoices not in power or position but in the Father’s delight to make His truth accessible to those who approach Him with childlike humility. It’s a profound reminder that we do not earn revelation through effort or knowledge—it is a gift from God, given freely to those who seek Him with sincerity.
This passage also offers a glimpse of the deep intimacy between Jesus and the Father. Jesus acknowledges that everything He has—His mission, authority, and knowledge—flows from His relationship with God. This dynamic relationship underscores the invitation extended to us: to know God personally through Jesus. When we see Jesus, we see the Father. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus bridges the gap, making the incomprehensible glory of God accessible to all who believe.
For the disciples, Jesus’ words were a moment of affirmation. They had just returned from their mission, amazed at how even demons submitted to them in His name. But Jesus redirects their joy, urging them to rejoice not in power but in their relationship with God—their names written in heaven. He reminds them, and us, that the greatest treasure is not what we can accomplish for God but the eternal relationship we have with Him.
What does this mean for us today?
First, it calls us to embrace childlike faith. The world may pressure us to rely on our knowledge and achievements, but true wisdom comes from a heart surrendered to God. Like a child trusting a parent, we are invited to trust God’s wisdom, even when His ways seem counterintuitive.
Second, it reminds us to rejoice in our salvation. It’s easy to get caught up in our victories, blessings, or spiritual achievements. But our ultimate joy is found in the unchanging truth that we are known and loved by God, and our names are written in heaven. This eternal assurance anchors us in a world of uncertainties.
Finally, these verses encourage gratitude. Jesus marvels at the privilege of knowing God, a privilege extended to us through Him. Do we pause to appreciate this incredible gift? Prophets and kings longed to see what we see and hear what we hear. Let’s not take this for granted but let it deepen our love and commitment to Him.
As we reflect on the Gospel reading, may we approach God with humble hearts, rejoice in His gift of salvation, and stand in awe of the privilege of knowing Him. Let our lives be a joyful response to His grace, shining as a testimony of His revelation to the humble.