Daily Readings - Thu Oct 18 2018
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on mission, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from 2 Timothy finds Paul near the end of his life, feeling isolated and abandoned by many who once stood with him. Despite the challenges, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in the Lord’s strength. He asks Timothy to join him, emphasizing the importance of companionship and support in times of trial. The Gospel from Luke, on the other hand, presents Jesus sending out 72 disciples in pairs, preparing them for the challenges of spreading the Good News. He instructs them to go forth with simplicity, trusting in God’s provision and the hospitality of others. Both readings remind us that following Christ is not without its difficulties, but it is through these trials that we grow in faith and trust.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on mission and perseverance. Paul, the seasoned missionary, faces the end of his journey with courage, while the disciples in Luke are just beginning theirs. Both scenarios highlight the importance of relying on God’s grace and the support of others. Paul’s loneliness and the disciples’ vulnerability before the “wolves” remind us that the path of discipleship is not an easy one. Yet, in both cases, we see the power of trust in God. Paul finds strength in the Lord, and the disciples are assured that the harvest is plentiful, even if the workers are few. These stories encourage us to step out in faith, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that each of us is called to be a missionary in our own way. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are invited to share the love and hope of Christ. Like the disciples, we may feel unprepared or inadequate, but Jesus assures us that He will provide what we need. When we face challenges or feel abandoned, we can turn to God, who stands with us and strengthens us. Let us embrace the call to live simply, trust deeply, and proclaim the kingdom of God in all that we do. May we, like Paul and the disciples, remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that the Lord is always with us.