Daily Readings - Wed Oct 18 2017
First Reading - 2 Timothy 4.9-17a
2 Timothy
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Gospel - Luke 10.1-9
Luke
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on trust in God’s providence and the challenges of living out our faith in a world that often resists it. In the first reading from 2 Timothy, Paul writes from a place of isolation and hardship, abandoned by many who once stood with him. Yet, despite his difficulties, he remains steadfast in his mission, trusting that God will see him through. He encourages Timothy to remain faithful and to avoid those who oppose the Gospel. Paul’s words remind us that following Christ often means facing trials, but we are never truly alone—God is always with us, strengthening us to fulfill our calling.
In the Gospel, Luke tells us of Jesus sending out 72 disciples to prepare the way for his ministry. He instructs them to travel lightly, without extra provisions, and to rely on the hospitality of others. This teaches us about detachment and trust in God’s providence. The disciples are sent as lambs among wolves, vulnerable yet empowered by their mission. They are to bring peace and healing to those they encounter, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is near. This passage challenges us to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we need to fulfill our mission.
Both readings remind us that living as disciples of Christ requires courage, trust, and perseverance. Like Paul, we may face opposition or feel abandoned at times, but God’s grace is sufficient. Like the 72 disciples, we are called to go out into the world with humility and trust, sharing the peace and love of Christ with others. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God enough to step out in faith, even when the road ahead seems uncertain? Are we willing to rely on His providence and to bring His peace to those around us? May we, like Paul and the disciples, remain faithful and steadfast in our mission, knowing that God is always with us.