Daily Readings - Fri Jan 26 2024
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 are reminded of the call to live with courage and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from 2 Timothy encourages us to embrace the gift of faith that has been passed down to us, just as Timothy received it from his mother and grandmother. Paul urges Timothy not to be afraid or ashamed to witness to the Gospel, but to stir into flame the grace of God that is within him. This passage emphasizes the importance of perseverance and boldness in living out our faith, even in the face of challenges.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message as Jesus sends out 72 disciples to prepare the way for his coming. He instructs them to travel lightly, without extra provisions, and to rely on the hospitality of others. This teaches us about trust in God’s plan and the simplicity of life. The disciples are called to be messengers of peace and healing, and they are not to be discouraged by rejection. Instead, they are to move on, knowing that the kingdom of God is near. This reflects the urgency of the Gospel message and the need to share it with others.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. How do we respond to the call to share the Gospel? Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we hold back because of fear or doubt? Let us ask for the grace to live with the courage and simplicity shown by the disciples. May we, like Timothy, stir into flame the gifts we have received and not be afraid to witness to the love and mercy of God in our daily lives.