Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 18 October 2028

10 Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works:

15 Whom do thou also avoid, for he hath greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge.

17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished, and that all the Gentiles may hear.

R. (12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

10 Let all thy works, O lord, praise thee: and let thy saints bless thee.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom: and shall tell of thy power:

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

12 To make thy might known to the sons of men: and the glory of the magnificence of thy kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages: and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words: and holy in all his works.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

17 The Lord is just in all his ways: and holy in all his works.

18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: to all that call upon him in truth.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come.

2 And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest.

3 Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves.

4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way.

5 Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.

6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.

7 And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house.

8 And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.

9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Jesus sends his disciples into the harvest with no display of power or security. They go lightly equipped, dependent on the welcome of others and on God’s care. Their first word is peace, and their work is to heal and announce that the kingdom of God has come near. The mission belongs to the Lord, yet he entrusts it to ordinary people who must carry his presence faithfully.

Paul’s testimony gives this mission a human face. Companions have gone to different places, Mark is needed again, and at one moment no one stood with him. Still, he can say that the Lord stood by him and strengthened him so that the preaching might continue. The harvest remains the Lord’s, and his kingdom endures through every generation. Our part may seem small: offering peace, serving where we are sent, speaking of God’s goodness, or remaining faithful when support is lacking. We do not sustain the Gospel by our own strength. We bring what we have, and the Lord makes it fruitful.

Lord Jesus, Lord of the harvest, send your Spirit upon us and make us willing workers in your mission. Teach us to carry your peace into every place, to receive others with humility, and to serve without relying on comfort or recognition. When we feel alone or inadequate, stand beside us as you stood beside Paul, and strengthen us to speak and live the truth with charity. Help us recognize the gifts and renewed usefulness of those who serve with us. May our words and actions make your kingdom known and bring healing to those we meet. Amen.