Daily Readings - Fri Oct 18 2019
2 Timothy
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
Luke
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and the call to mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy paints a vivid picture of Paul, who, despite feeling abandoned and facing opposition, remains steadfast in his commitment to the Gospel. He reaches out for support, asking for companionship and the tools of his ministry, while also warning against those who resist the truth. This passage reminds us that even in isolation and adversity, our trust in God’s providence and strength can sustain us.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out 72 disciples into the world with a clear mission. He instructs them to travel lightly, to trust in God’s provision, and to bring peace and healing to those they encounter. This passage emphasizes the importance of simplicity, detachment, and reliance on God as we carry out our own mission in life. Just as the disciples were sent out as lambs among wolves, we too are called to step into the world with courage and faith, trusting that God will guide and sustain us.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own call to live as missionary disciples. Like Paul, we may face challenges and feel isolated at times, but we are never truly alone. Like the disciples in Luke’s Gospel, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to step out in faith, even when the journey seems uncertain. Let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith in the midst of challenges? Am I trusting in God’s providence, or am I holding back due to fear or doubt? May these readings inspire us to embrace our mission with renewed courage and to rely on God’s strength, knowing that He is always with us.