Daily Readings - Wed Jan 26 2022
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, courage, and trust in God. The first reading from 2 Timothy reminds us that our faith is a gift passed down through generations, and we are called to embrace it without shame. Paul urges Timothy to rekindle the grace of God within him, emphasizing that God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. This passage invites us to reflect on our own faith journey and how we might be called to share it with others, even in the face of challenges.
The Gospel from Luke complements this by showing Jesus sending out 72 disciples to spread the Good News. He instructs them to trust in God’s providence, to travel lightly, and to bring peace and healing to those they encounter. This mission is not just for the disciples of old; it is a call to all of us to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide what we need. Just as the disciples were sent as lambs among wolves, we too are called to be vulnerable yet courageous in sharing the love of Christ with a world that often feels uncertain and divided.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I being called to share my faith today? Am I holding back because of fear or doubt? The readings remind us that true strength comes not from ourselves but from God. Let us embrace the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline that God has given us. Let us go forth with open hearts, trusting in His providence, and bring His peace and healing to a world that so desperately needs it.