18 Oct
Sat
St Luke the Evangelist
2 Tim. 4:10-17
Ps. 145:10-11,12-13,17-18
Lk. 10:1-9
(Psalter proper)
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Luke is the author of one of the most beautiful books of the New Testament and indeed of the whole Bible. It is from him that we get the lovely account of the Infancy of Jesus, including the Annunciation and the story of Jesus' birth in the cave at Bethlehem. It is a gospel which has some of the most beautiful stories such as the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. There is an atmosphere of joy pervading the gospel and great emphasis on caring for and identifying with the poor and needy. It is a gospel which speaks often of the Holy Spirit and, more than any other gospel, shows Jesus in prayer before all the important moments of his public life. The Gospel reading for today is a manifesto given by Jesus to the 72 disciples as he sent them out to continue the work he himself was doing. They are to be on the lookout for people to work with them in bringing in the harvest of believers. They are to live lives of great material simplicity and be ready to expect opposition to their message. They are to bring healing to the sick and peace to everyone. They are to open people's eyes and help them see that the Kingdom of God is all around them. We thank Luke for bringing Jesus' message to us in such a beautiful way and let us pray that we, too, in our own way can be effective messengers of the Gospel.



Go, make disciples of all nations.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the Synod of Bishops may help the Pastors and theologians, the Catechists and promoters who are engaged in the service of the Word of God to courageously transmit the truth of faith in communion with the entire Church.
Elaboration

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