Daily Readings - Wed Oct 18 2017
2 Timothy
9Do your best to come to me quickly,10for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.15You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.
Luke
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.5"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.8"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near 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.