Daily Readings - Thu Oct 18 2018
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on mission, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from 2 Timothy finds Paul near the end of his life, feeling isolated and abandoned by many who once stood with him. Despite the challenges, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in the Lord’s strength. He asks Timothy to join him, emphasizing the importance of companionship and support in times of trial. The Gospel from Luke, on the other hand, presents Jesus sending out 72 disciples in pairs, preparing them for the challenges of spreading the Good News. He instructs them to go forth with simplicity, trusting in God’s provision and the hospitality of others. Both readings remind us that following Christ is not without its difficulties, but it is through these trials that we grow in faith and trust.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on mission and perseverance. Paul, the seasoned missionary, faces the end of his journey with courage, while the disciples in Luke are just beginning theirs. Both scenarios highlight the importance of relying on God’s grace and the support of others. Paul’s loneliness and the disciples’ vulnerability before the “wolves” remind us that the path of discipleship is not an easy one. Yet, in both cases, we see the power of trust in God. Paul finds strength in the Lord, and the disciples are assured that the harvest is plentiful, even if the workers are few. These stories encourage us to step out in faith, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that each of us is called to be a missionary in our own way. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are invited to share the love and hope of Christ. Like the disciples, we may feel unprepared or inadequate, but Jesus assures us that He will provide what we need. When we face challenges or feel abandoned, we can turn to God, who stands with us and strengthens us. Let us embrace the call to live simply, trust deeply, and proclaim the kingdom of God in all that we do. May we, like Paul and the disciples, remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that the Lord is always with us.