Daily Readings - Wed Jan 26 2022
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 encounter powerful messages about faith, courage, and trust in God. The first reading from 2 Timothy reminds us that our faith is a gift passed down through generations, and we are called to embrace it without shame. Paul urges Timothy to rekindle the grace of God within him, emphasizing that God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. This passage invites us to reflect on our own faith journey and how we might be called to share it with others, even in the face of challenges.
The Gospel from Luke complements this by showing Jesus sending out 72 disciples to spread the Good News. He instructs them to trust in God’s providence, to travel lightly, and to bring peace and healing to those they encounter. This mission is not just for the disciples of old; it is a call to all of us to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we need. Just as the disciples were sent as lambs among wolves, we too are called to be vulnerable yet courageous in sharing the love of Christ with a world that often feels uncertain and divided.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I being called to share my faith today? Am I holding back because of fear or doubt? The readings remind us that true strength comes not from ourselves but from God. Let us embrace the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline that God has given us. Let us go forth with open hearts, trusting in His providence, and bring His peace and healing to a world that so desperately needs it.