Daily Readings - Wed Oct 18 2023
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 reflections on trust, perseverance, and the call to mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy paints a vivid picture of Paul’s isolation and struggle as he faces the end of his earthly journey. Despite being abandoned by some companions, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, trusting that God will see him through. He asks for support and encouragement, not out of weakness, but out of a deep reliance on the community of believers. The Gospel from Luke, on the other hand, shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus sends out 72 followers into a world that is often hostile and uncertain, urging them to trust in God’s providence rather than their own resources. He reminds them that the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few, calling them to radical dependence on God as they proclaim the kingdom.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and our role in the world. Paul’s letter reminds us that even in times of loneliness or hardship, we are never truly alone. God stands with us, strengthening us to fulfill our calling. Similarly, the Gospel challenges us to embrace a life of trust and surrender. Like the disciples sent out by Jesus, we are called to step into the unknown, relying not on our own strength or preparations but on the grace of God. This is not a call to passivity but to boldness, trusting that God will provide what we need to accomplish the work He has entrusted to us.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? Am I holding back from sharing my faith or serving others because I feel unprepared or inadequate? Let us remember that the Lord of the harvest is always with us, even in the midst of challenges. Like Paul, let us persevere in prayer and in service, knowing that our efforts, though small, contribute to the greater work of God’s kingdom. And like the disciples, let us go forth with courage, carrying the peace and love of Christ into a world that so desperately needs it.