Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 4, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi

Scripture Text:  Luke 10:17-24

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

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. 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."

Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today features Jesus' response upon the return of the 72 disciples who returned from this mission rejoicing in having used the power given them for the good of others and growth of the Kingdom. Jesus also rejoiced in the Holy Spirit for how the Father Almighty had gifted and graced the simple disciples for such great works. And Jesus noted that “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.” How blessed we are to have Jesus’ words and revelation for our illumination.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What good is coming from me as Christ’s disciples whose mind has been illuminated and whose heart has been tenderized by Christ’s love?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we praise You and offer You our thanksgiving this day. Send your Spirit to stir within us so that we might more clearly discern your will for and more joyfully embrace it. Grant that as disciples of your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, we may be instruments of His presence in this world for your glory. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.