Daily Readings - Mon Oct 18 2021
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 profound messages of faith and mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy reveals Paul's isolation and hardships as he faces abandonment and opposition. Despite these challenges, Paul remains steadfast in his trust in God, continuing his missionary work and instructing others to do the same. The Gospel from Luke depicts Jesus sending out 72 disciples, emphasizing their reliance on God's providence as they spread the Gospel. Jesus instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in the hospitality of others and focusing on their spiritual mission.
Both readings are set in contexts of mission and perseverance. Paul's letter, written during his imprisonment, reflects his unwavering commitment to his faith despite personal struggles. Luke's account shows Jesus preparing his disciples for their evangelical journey, teaching them to depend on divine grace rather than material comforts. These passages highlight the importance of trust and faith in the face of adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings remind us to trust in God's providence, especially when we feel isolated or unsupported. Like the disciples, we are called to embark on our own missions, whether in our communities or personal lives, with faith and reliance on God. The urgency of spreading the Gospel teaches us to remain focused and committed, trusting that God will provide what we need. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God, remain faithful, and depend on His grace as we fulfill our mission in the world.