Lord, let your face shine on me. — Psalm 119:135

Mass Readings: Job 42:1-3,5-6,12-17 / Luke 10:17-24 

Rejoicing in Heaven 

When I took college students to do service trips with Habitat for Humanity, they’d often rejoice in the fruits of their week’s labor. They usually had connected with the families for whom they’d built the houses, and like the disciples in the Gospel, would report to me how awesome it was to do something beneficial for others, to discover their own capacity for goodness. 

Jesus would never deny them this joy, but extends its scope beyond the human element to include the spiritual dimension: “but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” All people rejoice in helping others, but Christians can see how faith in action accomplishes God’s will, and brings them closer to God as a member of His family.

Prayer: Generous God, thank You for allowing me to do Your will.