Daily Readings - Sat Oct 18 2025
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 narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, faith, and mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy reveals Paul's experience of isolation and abandonment, yet he remains steadfast in his trust in God. Despite the challenges he faces, including betrayal by some companions, Paul finds strength in the Lord, who stands by him. This passage reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God's presence is our ultimate comfort and source of strength.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary theme. Jesus sends out 72 disciples with minimal provisions, instructing them to rely on the hospitality of others and to trust in God's providence. This mission is not about self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God's plan and trusting in His care. The disciples are called to be messengers of peace and healing, demonstrating that true strength lies not in material possessions but in faith and trust in God.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. How often do we rely on material security or our own abilities instead of trusting in God's providence? Like Paul, we may face moments of isolation or abandonment, but we are reminded that God is always with us. Like the disciples, we are called to embark on our own missions, trusting that God will provide what we need. Let us learn to let go of our need for control and instead embrace the peace and freedom that come from trusting in God. In doing so, we become instruments of His peace and healing in a world that sorely needs it.