Gospel (Lk 10,17-24) - At that time, the seventy-two returned full of joy, saying: "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He said to them: «I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you the power to walk over serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy: nothing will be able to harm you. However, do not rejoice because the demons submit to you; rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: «I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and have revealed them to little ones. Yes, O Father, because you have decided so in your benevolence. Everything has been given to me by my Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, nor who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." And, turning to the disciples, aside, he said: «Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you look at, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not listen to it."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

The seventy-two disciples on their missionary journey were able to experience the transforming power of the Gospel of love that Jesus had given them. Returning in the evening, they gather around Jesus: full of joy they tell him about the wonders they were able to work among the people. Jesus, listening to them, rejoices and confirms their experiences: "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning." It is the joy that is born in the Christian community: every time it communicates the Gospel and sees evil retreat, defeated by the weak strength of love. And Jesus confirms to the disciples the power he has given them: "I have given you the power to walk over serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy: nothing will be able to harm you." Jesus then adds that true joy, the one that no one can ever take away from the disciple, consists in having one's names written in heaven, that is, in the very heart of God. Communion with Jesus, with the Father and with the Holy Spirit is life for the disciple, today and in the future. In this communion lies the origin of his strength and also of his joy. At this point, Jesus, still moved by what had happened that day, raises his eyes to heaven and thanks the Father because he chose to confide the secret of his love for him to those little disciples who entrusted themselves to him. It is a sweet prayer that flows from the profound love that Jesus has for the Father and for the disciples and, now, also for us, disciples of the last hour. After praying he turns towards those seventy-two and pronounces a beatitude that spans the centuries and involves all believers: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!". We too are granted the grace to "see", to listen, to live with Jesus directly by participating in the life of the community of believers.