Daily Readings - Wed Oct 18 2023
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 reflections on trust, perseverance, and the call to mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy paints a vivid picture of Paul’s isolation and struggle as he faces the end of his earthly journey. Despite being abandoned by some companions, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, trusting that God will see him through. He asks for support and encouragement, not out of weakness, but out of a deep reliance on the community of believers. The Gospel from Luke, on the other hand, shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus sends out 72 followers into a world that is often hostile and uncertain, urging them to trust in God’s providence rather than their own resources. He reminds them that the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few, calling them to radical dependence on God as they proclaim the kingdom.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and our role in the world. Paul’s letter reminds us that even in times of loneliness or hardship, we are never truly alone. God stands with us, strengthening us to fulfill our calling. Similarly, the Gospel challenges us to embrace a life of trust and surrender. Like the disciples sent out by Jesus, we are called to step into the unknown, relying not on our own strength or preparations but on the grace of God. This is not a call to passivity but to boldness, trusting that God will provide what we need to accomplish the work He has entrusted to us.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? Am I holding back from sharing my faith or serving others because I feel unprepared or inadequate? Let us remember that the Lord of the harvest is always with us, even in the midst of challenges. Like Paul, let us persevere in prayer and in service, knowing that our efforts, though small, contribute to the greater work of God’s kingdom. And like the disciples, let us go forth with courage, carrying the peace and love of Christ into a world that so desperately needs it.