Saturday, October 18, 2025

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” — Luke 10:2

 


📖 Readings for October 18, 2025 (Feast of Saint Luke)

First Reading – 2 Timothy 4:10-17b

“Demas, enamored of this present world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you… Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength…” USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your might…
The LORD is just in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. Catholic Gallery+1

Alleluia – John 15:16

“I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” Catholic Gallery+1

Gospel – Luke 10:1-9

Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples and sent them ahead of him into every town and place he intended to go. He said to them: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the road. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Cure the sick in that place and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you.’” USCCB+1

✨ Verse of the Day

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” — Luke 10:2 USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2

Reflection

I. Introduction

On the feast of St. Luke, we honor the evangelist who recorded the life and works of Jesus, and who accompanied Paul in his missionary journeys. Today’s readings call us to mission: to trust in God’s provision, to go forth in simplicity, and to announce the nearness of God’s Kingdom.

II. The Gospel & Its Context

Jesus sends the seventy-two ahead of Him, instructing them to travel light and trust in hospitality. Their mission: heal the sick, proclaim that “the Kingdom of God has come near”. Jesus acknowledges that reception may vary, but the proclamation remains. The call is urgent, bold, and rooted in dependence on God.

III. Connection with 2 Timothy & the Psalm

  • In 2 Timothy, Paul speaks from the heart of trial: many deserted him, yet the Lord sustained him. Luke, however, remained faithful. The cost of mission and faithfulness is high, but grace sustains.

  • The Psalm declares God’s justice, His nearness, and the glory of His Kingdom. It affirms that the works of God deserve praise and faithful proclamation.

  • Thus, mission is not just activity—it is grounded in the character of God, sustained by His faithfulness.

IV. Deeper Reflections

  • God’s harvest is abundant, but laborers are few. Each believer is invited to respond to the call.

  • Simplicity (no bag, no extra provisions) highlights trust. Mission is not about resources but reliance.

  • Evangelization is not flashy; it is relational, spiritual, humble, and patient.

  • St. Luke’s faithfulness reminds us that even when others abandon us, the Lord remains.

V. Practical Applications

  1. Pray today: Lord of the harvest, send laborers. Let your heart echo Jesus’ concern.

  2. In your circle—school, neighborhood, family—think who needs to hear God’s nearness; pray, speak gently, act in love.

  3. Do not overburden yourself with tools or preparation; sometimes faith and presence suffice.

  4. Support missionaries—through prayer, encouragement, or resources.

  5. If you feel weak or abandoned, remember Paul’s testimony: the Lord stands with you.

🙏 Prayer for You & for the Philippines

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me to witness to Your Kingdom. Grant me courage to go forth, simplicity to carry little and trust much, and love so I may heal, proclaim, and serve. Sustain me when others abandon the path, and keep me faithful as St. Luke was.

We also lift up our beloved Philippines and her people.
Bless us with safety, especially from disasters—earthquakes, storms, flood.
Protect every community and home under Your care.
We pray for revival of integrity in leadership, freedom from corruption, and true transformation in governance.
May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in our land, and may we be laborers in the abundant harvest You bring.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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