Bar. 4:5-12, 27-29 | Ps. 69:33-37 | Lk. 10:17 -24

Baruch reminds the people that they are punished because they have turned from God and failed to carry out God’s Word.  Then Baruch invites the people to turn to God and ask for pardon despite the fact that God has punished them for their evil ways.  Baruch promises them that God’s love for them far surpasses God’s anger; and, they need but turn to God in confidence and ask for forgiveness.

The Seventy-two return and are boasting about all the miracles they have performed in Christ’s name.  Christ brings them back to reality and reminds them that it was by God’s power that all this occurred.  He calls them to rejoice over the fact that their names are inscribed in heaven.

Both readings call us to remember that God’s love is far greater than anything we can say or do.  We should keep that love ever before us and act out of that love for others.  Pause to allow God’s love to nourish you.