Homily on Luke 10:17–24: Inscribing name in Heaven (4-10-25)

A homily on Luke 10:17-24 calling us to owe a life engraving our name in Heaven on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. (4-10-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

In a particular village, the first duty of parents upon a child’s birth was to record the child’s name in the village register. Without it, the child cannot receive rations or government help and, later, cannot even vote. Parents were cautious when this entry was made, checking the spelling and date of birth repeatedly, because once it is written, it cannot be changed. Only then do they breathe with relief, knowing their child is recognised and remembered. People often say with pride, “If it is written, it will be remembered.”

Jesus tells His disciples in today’s Gospel, “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” The disciples returned with joy after their mission because they had seen the power in action. But Jesus shifts their attention. Power is not the greatest joy. The greatest joy is to be remembered in heaven. Before our names are carved on gravestones, they must be written in heaven.

The Scriptures often speak about this. Moses prayed that his name may not be blotted out from God’s book. The psalmist said that “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”(Ps 139/16). Daniel spoke of those who will be saved because their names are found written in the book. Even in the life of Jesus, we cannot pick out a single instance where Jesus hurried behind, mustering human appreciation and position. This is because He always satisfied Himself in doing the will of Abba Father. And the book of Revelation speaks of the Lamb’s book of life. To have our name written there means to be held forever in the memory of God. 

But how do we ensure this? It is by writing our names first in the hearts of people around us. A mother does it by her patient love. A father does it through his silent sacrifices. A religious sister does it through prayer and kindness. Great men and women have also written their names in the hearts of millions. Gandhi did it with truth and non-violence.

Today, we remember St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century saint who is still honoured today. He was born into a wealthy and comfortable family in Assisi as the son of a rich cloth merchant. In his youth, he enjoyed a luxurious life of parties and fine things, but also aspired to be a knight holding ranks and medals. During a conflict between Assisi and Perugia, he fought and was captured, spending about a year in prison. But after the release, he realised that riches could not give true joy. It was a firm conviction about the significance of engraving his name in Heaven slowly. He gave away everything — his inheritance, his possessions, even the clothes he wore. He chose to be poor with Christ, free and simple. He embraced the leper, sang with the birds, called the sun his brother, and the moon his sister. In doing so, he was writing his name in heaven because every act for glorifying God became a scribble in the Book of Life. 

Francis’ joy did not come from possessions or power but from belonging to God alone. That is why his name is remembered even today in the hearts of thousands worldwide. His life tells us that we do not need to do great miracles to have our names written in heaven. We only need to love, to forgive, to live humbly, and to walk with God. He was able to overcome the physical, material and psychological needs of earth. Rising from the silly cravings, he was elevated to a transcendent need with a thirst for souls. If he had conquered some land and become a mighty knight, his memory could have been buried with him, and it might have existed for a short while in his territory. As Matthew 23:12 promises: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” he is lifted by God, being impressed by his simplicity and love for God and his brethren. 

My dear brothers and sisters, let us not be content with our names being written on stones or papers. And grieve if it is not written and forgotten. Let us live in such a way that our names are written in the hearts of people through our love, patience, and sacrifices. And if they are written in hearts, they will also be written in heaven.

Oh Jesus, mould me for You and Heaven.

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