Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 18, 2017
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4.9-17a
9For Demas has abandoned me, out of love for this age, and he has departed for Thessalonica10Crescens has gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia11Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for he is useful to me in the ministry12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus13When you return, bring with you the supplies that I left with Carpus at Troas, and the books, but especially the parchments14Alexander the coppersmith has shown me much evil; the Lord will repay him according to his works15And you should also avoid him; for he has strongly resisted our words16At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching would be accomplished, and so that all the Gentiles would hear. And I was freed from the mouth of the lion
Psalm 145
1The Praise of David himself. I will extol you, O God, my king. And I will bless your name, in this time and forever and ever2Throughout every single day, I will bless you. And I will praise your name, in this time and forever and ever3The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy. And there is no end to his greatness4Generation after generation will praise your works, and they will declare your power5They will tell of the magnificent glory of your sanctity. And they will discourse of your wonders6And they will talk about the virtue of your terrible acts. And they will describe your greatness7They will shout about the memory of your abundant sweetness. And they will exult in your justice8The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy9The Lord is sweet to all things, and his compassion is upon all his works10O Lord, may all your works confess to you, and let your holy ones bless you11They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and they will declare your power12so as to make known to the sons of men your power and the glory of your magnificent kingdom13Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion is with all, from generation to generation. The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works14The Lord lifts up all who have fallen down, and he sets upright all who have been thrown down15O Lord, all eyes hope in you, and you provide their food in due time16You open your hand, and you fill every kind of animal with a blessing17The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works18The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth19He will do the will of those who fear him, and he will heed their supplication and accomplish their salvation20The Lord watches over all who love him. And he will destroy all sinners21My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name, in this time and forever and ever
Gospel: Luke 10.1-9
1Then, after these things, the Lord also designated another seventy-two. And he sent them in pairs before his face, into every city and place where he was to arrive2And he said to them: "Certainly the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest3Go forth. Behold, I send you out like lambs among wolves4Do not choose to carry a purse, nor provisions, nor shoes; and you shall greet no one along the way5Into whatever house you will have entered, first say, ‘Peace to this house.6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house8And into whatever city you have entered and they have received you, eat what they set before you9And cure the sick who are in that place, and proclaim to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on trust in God’s providence and the challenges of living out our faith in a world that often resists it. In the first reading from 2 Timothy, Paul writes from a place of isolation and hardship, abandoned by many who once stood with him. Yet, despite his difficulties, he remains steadfast in his mission, trusting that God will see him through. He encourages Timothy to remain faithful and to avoid those who oppose the Gospel. Paul’s words remind us that following Christ often means facing trials, but we are never truly alone—God is always with us, strengthening us to fulfill our calling.
In the Gospel, Luke tells us of Jesus sending out 72 disciples to prepare the way for his ministry. He instructs them to travel lightly, without extra provisions, and to rely on the hospitality of others. This teaches us about detachment and trust in God’s providence. The disciples are sent as lambs among wolves, vulnerable yet empowered by their mission. They are to bring peace and healing to those they encounter, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is near. This passage challenges us to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we need to fulfill our mission.
Both readings remind us that living as disciples of Christ requires courage, trust, and perseverance. Like Paul, we may face opposition or feel abandoned at times, but God’s grace is sufficient. Like the 72 disciples, we are called to go out into the world with humility and trust, sharing the peace and love of Christ with others. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God enough to step out in faith, even when the road ahead seems uncertain? Are we willing to rely on His providence and to bring His peace to those around us? May we, like Paul and the disciples, remain faithful and steadfast in our mission, knowing that God is always with us.