October 18, 2024, Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST LUKE, EVANGELIST

2 Timothy 4:10-17

Psalm 145

Luke 10:1-9

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength… 2 Tim. 4:17

“Go on your way; behold I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” Lk. 10:3

Lord, one of your faithful disciples once said, “Christianity is not for wimps.”  Being a disciple of yours is challenging.  We have success and failure.  We celebrate when we win over people to follow you and we can be let down when the message is rejected.  You experienced much more than your share of rejection.  The cross is the ultimate rejection of your good news.  But the message of your love for all mankind didn’t stop at Calvary.  You assured your disciples that you would be with them until the end of the world.  Lord Jesus, with you at my side I do not fear.  When the storms of life seem too much that is when I must persist and persevere in my trust in you.  The harvest is abundant with many opportunities to proclaim your kingdom.  Where would we be today if your first disciples had given up when they met opposition?  Give me the same strength you gave Paul when he was abandoned and opposed.   Direct my thoughts, words and actions so I can be your instrument in the noble work of spreading your good news.   Jesus, I trust in you.  St. Luke, pray for us.  Amen.