Daily Readings - Wed Oct 18 2017
2 Timothy
9Do your best to come to me soon.10For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.11Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.12Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.15Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
Luke
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.2And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.3Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.4Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.5Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.8Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.9Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come 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.