Daily Readings - Wed Oct 18 2023
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 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.