19th October: St.Luke (Trinity 18).
online Morning Prayer from Holy Trinity.
2 Timothy 4:5-17
Paul writes to Timothy, a leader in the church at Ephesus, encouraging him in his ministry. He realises his own life is nearly over, but appreciates the support and comfort that Luke has been offering him.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But 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 10:1-9
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Something to think about
There is no mention of the mission of the seventy in the synoptic gospels but Matthew records a mission of the twelve mentioning them by name.(Matthew 10:2-4), but not including Luke.The number 70 in Jewish tradition represented the number of Gentile nations in the world. Luke, the Gentile, writes about this mission to show that it was God’s intention that all the world should hear the good news of the gospel.
Collect
God, our judge and saviour,
teach us to be open to your truth and to trust in your love,
that we may live each day with confidence
in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Post Communion
We praise and thank you, O Christ, for this sacred feast:
for here we receive you,
here the memory of your passion is renewed,
here our minds are filled with grace,
and here a pledge of future glory is given,
when we shall feast at that table where you reign
with all your saints for ever.
Next Sunday’s (26th) Readings:
Psalm 119:129-136
Luke 4:16-24
Please remember in your prayers this week:
Those who are unable to be with us in church, including Linda Torr and Arthur Williams.
Those who are ill, especially Graham Price and Joe Lister (priest).
The recently bereaved, especially the family and friends of Duncan Renshaw.
Areas of conflict: the Ukraine, the Middle East and too many others.
Our local churches.
Our Ministry Team: Dwayne, Maggie, Nigel & Lynda.