NOTES for Lc 10:17-24

The seventy disciples return from the mission on which the Teacher sent them, greatly rejoicing that “even the demons submit to them.” Seeing their enthusiasm, Jesus encourages them, saying that He gives them “authority to tread on snakes.” As the apostles received ever more abilities, they began to resemble superheroes for whom nothing was too difficult and who could do practically anything. And at this very moment, at the height of their strength and power, the Lord shows them what is truly valuable and worthy of joy. It turns out that what should matter most to His followers is not might, authority, or power, but something that does not depend on them at all: having their names written in heaven. He immediately confirms His words by saying that this knowledge has been revealed not to the wise, but to infants, who did nothing to deserve it yet were able to receive it as a gift.

We often try to find abilities within ourselves that would prove to us that we are the finest instruments in God’s hands, able to cope with any task and solve any problem. But Christians do not follow the path of self-perfection; that is not their goal. God generously gives His gifts, and in return He expects us to glorify Him rather than become captivated by our own greatness.