Daily Readings - Mon Oct 18 2021
2 Timothy
9Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.13The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.16At 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.17Notwithstanding 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.
Luke
1After 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.2Therefore 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.3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.7And 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.8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound messages of faith and mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy reveals Paul's isolation and hardships as he faces abandonment and opposition. Despite these challenges, Paul remains steadfast in his trust in God, continuing his missionary work and instructing others to do the same. The Gospel from Luke depicts Jesus sending out 72 disciples, emphasizing their reliance on God's providence as they spread the Gospel. Jesus instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in the hospitality of others and focusing on their spiritual mission.
Both readings are set in contexts of mission and perseverance. Paul's letter, written during his imprisonment, reflects his unwavering commitment to his faith despite personal struggles. Luke's account shows Jesus preparing his disciples for their evangelical journey, teaching them to depend on divine grace rather than material comforts. These passages highlight the importance of trust and faith in the face of adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God's providence, especially when we feel isolated or unsupported. Like the disciples, we are called to embark on our own missions, whether in our communities or personal lives, with faith and reliance on God. The urgency of spreading the Gospel teaches us to remain focused and committed, trusting that God will provide what we need. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God, remain faithful, and depend on His grace as we fulfill our mission in the world.