Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 18, 2021
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4.9-17a
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.
Psalm 145
1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.2Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.4One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.6They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.7They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.8The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.10All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,12to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]14The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.16You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.19He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.20The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 10.1-9
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 profound messages of faith and mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy reveals Paul's isolation and hardships as he faces abandonment and opposition. Despite these challenges, Paul remains steadfast in his trust in God, continuing his missionary work and instructing others to do the same. The Gospel from Luke depicts Jesus sending out 72 disciples, emphasizing their reliance on God's providence as they spread the Gospel. Jesus instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in the hospitality of others and focusing on their spiritual mission.
Both readings are set in contexts of mission and perseverance. Paul's letter, written during his imprisonment, reflects his unwavering commitment to his faith despite personal struggles. Luke's account shows Jesus preparing his disciples for their evangelical journey, teaching them to depend on divine grace rather than material comforts. These passages highlight the importance of trust and faith in the face of adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God's providence, especially when we feel isolated or unsupported. Like the disciples, we are called to embark on our own missions, whether in our communities or personal lives, with faith and reliance on God. The urgency of spreading the Gospel teaches us to remain focused and committed, trusting that God will provide what we need. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God, remain faithful, and depend on His grace as we fulfill our mission in the world.