Daily Readings - Sat Oct 18 2025
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 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.