Daily Readings - Tue Oct 18 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on trust in God’s providence and the challenges of discipleship. In the first reading from 2 Timothy, Paul expresses his isolation and abandonment by others, yet he remains steadfast in his faith, knowing that the Lord stands with him. He urges Timothy to remain faithful and to avoid those who oppose the Gospel. In the Gospel, Luke recounts Jesus sending out 72 disciples ahead of him, instructing them to trust in God’s provision and to proclaim the kingdom of God. They are to go forth with simplicity, relying not on material possessions but on the grace of God and the hospitality of others.
Both readings emphasize the importance of trust and detachment. Paul, despite being forsaken by many, finds strength in the Lord, who frees him from the “mouth of the lion.” Similarly, Jesus sends his disciples into the world with minimal provisions, teaching them to depend on God and the kindness of strangers. This trust is not passive; it is active and rooted in faith. The disciples are called to proclaim the kingdom fearlessly, knowing that their labor is not in vain. For Paul, too, his suffering is not without purpose, as it allows the Gospel to reach more people.
These readings challenge us to examine our own trust in God’s plan. Like the disciples, we are called to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Like Paul, we must persevere through trials, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. In our daily lives, this means letting go of our need for control and security, and instead embracing the simplicity and humility of discipleship. May we, like Paul and the 72, trust in God’s providence and proclaim the Good News with courage and joy, knowing that the kingdom of God is near.