Daily Readings - Sat Oct 18 2025
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 trust, faith, and mission. The first reading from 2 Timothy reveals Paul's experience of isolation and abandonment, yet he remains steadfast in his trust in God. Despite the challenges he faces, including betrayal by some companions, Paul finds strength in the Lord, who stands by him. This passage reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God's presence is our ultimate comfort and source of strength.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary theme. Jesus sends out 72 disciples with minimal provisions, instructing them to rely on the hospitality of others and to trust in God's providence. This mission is not about self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God's plan and trusting in His care. The disciples are called to be messengers of peace and healing, demonstrating that true strength lies not in material possessions but in faith and trust in God.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. How often do we rely on material security or our own abilities instead of trusting in God's providence? Like Paul, we may face moments of isolation or abandonment, but we are reminded that God is always with us. Like the disciples, we are called to embark on our own missions, trusting that God will provide what we need. Let us learn to let go of our need for control and instead embrace the peace and freedom that come from trusting in God. In doing so, we become instruments of His peace and healing in a world that sorely needs it.