10/3/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 10:17-24

17 The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
18 Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
19 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.
20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
21 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.
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.”

10/3/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 10:17-24

Theme: The NAME that truly matters

The disciples return to Jesus filled with joy. They have witnessed remarkable things and discovered that even forces of evil seemed to submit when they acted in Jesus’ name. But Jesus gently redirects their excitement. Their greatest joy should not simply come from what they can accomplish, but from knowing that they belong to God. He reminds them that spiritual power is not the ultimate measure of a blessed life. What matters most is our relationship with God and our place in His loving plan.

The word NAME can help us understand this message.

N — Never Forget Whose Name You Carry

The disciples experienced success because they were sent in Jesus’ name. Their mission was never about promoting themselves. They were instruments of His presence.

We can easily forget this when things go well. We may begin to think, “I did it. I accomplished it. I am successful.” But every gift, opportunity, ability, and achievement ultimately comes from God. Whatever good we accomplish, we should remember whose name we carry.

A — Appreciate the Blessing of Belonging

Jesus teaches His disciples to rejoice not merely because they have power, but because their names are known in heaven. What a beautiful thought: God knows us personally.

Our greatest blessing is not our position, popularity, possessions, or accomplishments. It is knowing that we belong to God. When the world fails to recognize us, God still knows our name. When people forget what we have done, God does not forget our faithfulness.

M — Make God the Center, Not Ourselves

Success can sometimes become a spiritual temptation. Even good works can make us proud if we begin seeking recognition instead of serving God.

Jesus redirects the disciples from what they have done to what God has done for them. This is an important lesson for all of us. We should celebrate blessings without allowing blessings to become the center of our lives.

Let our accomplishments point upward. Let our talents become opportunities to serve. Let our success become a reason to give thanks rather than a reason to boast.

E — Embrace the Grace of Knowing Jesus

At the end of the passage, Jesus rejoices in the Father and speaks of the privilege of those who are able to recognize what God is revealing.

There are things that money cannot buy, education cannot fully explain, and worldly success cannot provide. One of the greatest gifts is the grace to recognize God working in our lives.

Sometimes God is present in dramatic miracles. More often, He is present quietly—in a answered prayer, a kind person, a second chance, a peaceful heart, or the strength to continue when life becomes difficult.

So today, remember NAME: Never forget whose Name you carry. Appreciate the blessing of belonging. Make God the center, not yourself. Embrace the grace of knowing Jesus.

Our greatest victory is not that the world knows our name. Our greatest blessing is that God knows our name and we know His.

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