I have seen Satan fall

like lightning from the sky

Our Lord’s words in today’s Gospel (Luke 10:17-24) are dramatic and empowering.

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.

These words comfort us and encourage us. These words pour strength into our human frailty and lift our spirits.

But our Lord follows these words with very special words that bring clarity and keep us grounded.

Nevertheless,
do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

Therein lies our ultimate safety and our greatest power: our names are written in heaven.

Praised be Jesus Christ