Daily Readings - Fri Oct 18 2019

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 faith, perseverance, and the call to mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy paints a vivid picture of Paul, who, despite feeling abandoned and facing opposition, remains steadfast in his commitment to the Gospel. He reaches out for support, asking for companionship and the tools of his ministry, while also warning against those who resist the truth. This passage reminds us that even in isolation and adversity, our trust in God’s providence and strength can sustain us. The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out 72 disciples into the world with a clear mission. He instructs them to travel lightly, to trust in God’s provision, and to bring peace and healing to those they encounter. This passage emphasizes the importance of simplicity, detachment, and reliance on God as we carry out our own mission in life. Just as the disciples were sent out as lambs among wolves, we too are called to step into the world with courage and faith, trusting that God will guide and sustain us. Both readings invite us to reflect on our own call to live as missionary disciples. Like Paul, we may face challenges and feel isolated at times, but we are never truly alone. Like the disciples in Luke’s Gospel, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to step out in faith, even when the journey seems uncertain. Let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith in the midst of challenges? Am I trusting in God’s providence, or am I holding back due to fear or doubt? May these readings inspire us to embrace our mission with renewed courage and to rely on God’s strength, knowing that He is always with us.