Daily Readings - Fri Jan 26 2018
First Reading - 2 Timothy 1.1-8 or Titus 1.1-5
2 Timothy
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,2To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.5I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
Titus
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness--2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,4To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.5The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
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
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, trust, and the call to share God's love with the world. The first reading from 2 Timothy reminds us of the importance of living out our faith with courage and confidence. Paul, writing to Timothy, encourages him to embrace the gift of faith that has been passed down through his family and to not be afraid to witness to the Gospel. This letter, written during a time of great challenge for the early Church, emphasizes that our faith is a treasure to be cherished and shared, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from Luke takes us into the heart of Jesus' mission. Jesus sends out 72 disciples ahead of him, instructing them to go out into the world with simplicity and trust in God's providence. He tells them not to be burdened by material possessions or distractions, but instead to focus on the task at hand: proclaiming the Kingdom of God and bringing healing to those in need. This mission is not just for the disciples of Jesus' time; it is a call to all of us to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we need to fulfill our purpose.
These readings remind us that living as followers of Christ requires boldness, humility, and a willingness to rely on God's grace. Just as Timothy is urged to stir into flame the gifts of faith and ministry, we too are called to use our talents and resources to serve others and share the Good News. Like the disciples sent out in pairs, we are called to move beyond our comfort zones and trust in God's plan, even when the journey seems uncertain. Let us ask ourselves: How can we live more simply, trust more deeply, and share more generously the love of God with those around us? May we, like Timothy and the disciples, be faithful stewards of the gifts we have received, and may our lives bear witness to the power and joy of the Gospel.