Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 18, 2024
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 powerful reflections on trust, perseverance, and the call to serve. The first reading from 2 Timothy reveals Paul’s isolation and weariness as he faces the challenges of his missionary work. Despite being abandoned by many, including Demas, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in God’s providence. He asks for the companionship of Luke and the support of others, showing his human need for help, but ultimately relies on God’s strength. The reading reminds us that even in times of loneliness or adversity, God remains our constant companion and source of strength.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different yet complementary scene. Jesus sends out 72 disciples ahead of him, instructing them to go forth like lambs among wolves, trusting in God’s providence rather than their own resources. They are to depend on the hospitality of others and to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God. This mission is not about self-sufficiency but about radical trust in God and openness to the people they encounter. The disciples are called to live simply, to serve generously, and to bring peace and healing to those they meet.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and our response to the call to serve. Like Paul, we may face challenges and feel isolated at times, but we are reminded that God’s grace is sufficient. Like the disciples in Luke, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we need. These readings encourage us to live with courage, humility, and generosity, knowing that our efforts, though small, contribute to the greater work of God’s kingdom. Let us pray for the grace to persevere in faith, to trust in God’s plan, and to serve others with love and compassion.