Daily Readings - Tue Jan 26 2021
First Reading - 2 Timothy 1.1-8 or Titus 1.1-5
2 Timothy
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,2To Timothy, my beloved child:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.4As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
Titus
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,2in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began3and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;4To Titus, my true child in a common faith:Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.5This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--
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 are invited to reflect on the themes of courage and trust in God's plan. The Second Letter to Timothy reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Paul encourages Timothy to revive the grace of God within him, urging him to stand firm in his faith without shame. This letter is a heartfelt encouragement to embrace the gifts God has given and to trust in His providence.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message as Jesus sends out 72 disciples, instructing them to go forth like lambs among wolves. He tells them to trust in God's provision, without the burden of material concerns, and to bring peace and healing to those they meet. This mission is not about physical strength but about spiritual boldness and reliance on God's grace.
These readings call us to apply such courage and trust in our daily lives. Whether facing personal challenges or serving others, we are reminded to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the strength and resources we need. By embracing this mindset, we can live fearlessly, knowing that our efforts to share God's love and peace are empowered by His Spirit. Let us, therefore, live with hearts open to God's will, trusting in His power to guide and sustain us.