the pastor's joy: 26th week tuesday 2012 II

      It is with great excitement that the disciples reported back to Jesus after being sent to their mission. It was successful and they came back triumphant. At your name, they said, even the demons are subject to us. They realized that they had power, they can do miracles in his name. They can heal and drive away evil spirits from people afflicted in any way. They were happy and probably even proud. Thus Jesus said, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. It can mean that Satan’s kingdom is beginning to crumble because of what the disciples did in their mission. But it could also mean another thing. It can mean beware of the sin of Lucifer, beware of the sin of pride. The sin that makes us think that we can do things on our own and by our own power, and that we don’t need God nor do we need to obey.

      Thus Jesus reminded his disciples not to rejoice “because the spirits are subject to you but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Rejoice not because you have the power but rejoice because you have served. This is the joy of one who has served, one who has served well.
      Today’s gospel tells the joy of a pastor, the joy of one who has just finished serving, giving her all to the Lord. It is a joy that does not come from power, position, titles and rank for in service rank does not matter. It is the joy rather that comes after having served and having served well.