Homily for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time

It is natural for us to take pride in our work, especially if we believe that we have done a good job. That is exactly what we find the disciples doing in today’s Gospel; they return to Jesus from a successful mission. In their excitement, they tell Him, “even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” He recognizes their success, yet He challenges them to celebrate, not so much in the success of their work, but in the fact that their names are written in heaven.

Our relationship with God should be the deepest source of our joy. It is that relationship that makes our work fruitful, our lives meaningful. That is why Jesus goes on to tell them, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” The disciples had come to see and hear God’s presence in the person of Jesus; they had received the revelation of His own relationship with God His Father and had let themselves be drawn into that relationship. That is why they can rejoice.

This Gospel passage reminds us that our own sharing in Jesus’ relationship with God is our real treasure and not our accomplishments. It is that gift of sharing in Jesus’ relationship with His Father that allows us to see and hear what many prophets and kings yearned to see and hear, and it is the genuine source of our joy and thanksgiving. Even when our work is done, whether it is due to age, poor health, or lack of opportunity, that gift of sharing in Jesus’ own relationship with His Father endures. +