We’re on the list! One of my friends in high school ran up to me full of excitement. “We’re on the list!” We had auditioned and made the cast for the school musical, and we wasted no time in boasting that we were on the list. It didn’t matter that we were just members of the chorus. We were on the list. If you could boast about something, what would that be? Maybe a rewarding career? Perhaps a personal possession? Children? Wealth? Some great thing we have said or done? Truth be told we all do this from time to time. We want to share our pride in our accomplishments and experiences. We want people to know. Even the disciples did this. They had been sent out on a mission trip and came back rejoicing and boasting to Jesus that “in your name, even the demons submit to us.” Jesus rejoices with them and then reminds them that more important than their works of faith and power (accomplishments) is that their names are written in heaven: “you’re on the list!” (Luke 10:17-20) Not because of anything they had accomplished, but because of God’s grace. Talent and effort had nothing to do with it. Our true joy is that we have true and everlasting life before God; now and in the life to come. We’re on the list! Blessings, Matthew+
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. | 
