Satan Falling like Lightning from the Sky

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Feast of St Francis of Assisi*

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Sixth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:17-24*

*First Reading : Bar 4:5-12, 27-29*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 69:33-35, 36-37*

*Satan Falling like Lightning from the Sky*

*1) Biblical Meaning of the Expression*

*A) Suddenness and Power*: Lightning falls quickly, brightly, and with force. The fall of Satan shows a decisive, powerful defeat—not gradual, but instant when confronted with God’s authority.

*B) Loss of Power*: To “fall from heaven” means to lose status, authority, and influence. Just as a king cast out of his throne loses dominion, Satan is dethroned.

*C) Victory of Christ*: Jesus is declaring that through His mission and the mission of His disciples, the dominion of evil is already being broken.

*2) How to Understand This Expression*

*A) Not a One-time Past Event Alone*: While some connect this with Satan’s primordial fall (Revelation 12:7–9), in Luke it especially refers to Satan’s defeat in the present mission of the disciples. 

Every act of healing, exorcism, and proclamation of the Kingdom is a blow against Satan’s reign.

*B) Sign of the Kingdom:* The fall of Satan is evidence that the Kingdom of God is advancing, and darkness cannot withstand it.

*C) Evil’s Real but Limited Power:* Satan still exists and tempts, but his power is no longer absolute. His defeat has begun and will be complete at the Cross and Resurrection.

*3) Reflections on this Expression*

*A) Jesus’ Authority Over Evil*

Evil spirits tremble at the name of Jesus. For us too, invoking Christ in faith and prayer drives away the darkness.

*B) Mission of the Church*

Every time the Church evangelizes, heals, forgives sins, and practices love, Satan “falls like lightning” again—his kingdom is diminished.

*C) Reminder of Spiritual Warfare*

Lightning is brief, but its strike is dangerous. Satan’s fall warns us that evil, though defeated, still seeks to harm. We need vigilance, prayer, and the armor of God (Eph 6:10–18).

*D) Hope and Encouragement*

*Jesus assures us:* the powers of evil are not ultimate. The final victory belongs to God. When we see violence, sin, and corruption in the world, we recall that their time is limited.

Satan “falls like lightning” in our lives whenever we overcome temptation, forgive instead of retaliate, choose humility over pride, and let God’s grace triumph in us.

*4) Final Thought* 

The expression is a vivid image of Satan’s defeat before the power of Christ. 

It is both a cosmic truth (evil is not ultimate) and a personal encouragement (we can share in Christ’s victory). 

Every act of faith, love, and truth makes Satan fall again, like a flash of lightning chased away by the dawn

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*