There are times when it feels like life is too hard, we are let down, or even feel betrayed as Paul shared in today’s first reading when he wrote: “At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me” (2 Timothy 4:16). And then in today’s gospel, Jesus sent seventy-two of his disciples off “like lambs among wolves.” He gave them nothing to take with them, “no money bag, no sack, no sandals” (Luke 10:4).

Paul, the Apostles, and disciples through the ages have experienced the limitations of our fallen and finite world. The Saints have not only experienced the poverty of our human condition, they realized that only in childlike dependence on God as Father could they be fulfilled. In reading the Bible and the lives of the saints we are offered the sound truth that we are to place our firm foundation on God and him alone. Nothing or no one else can be there for us like him. Why, because all else is finite. Only God is infinite.

When we find ourselves in challenging moments or seasons, we are not alone. In those moments we have the opportunity to draw on the same strength and source that Paul and the saints did. We too will experience the Lord standing by us and giving us his strength because Jesus is already there! It can feel hard to believe that sometimes, especially in situations that are chronic and ongoing.

In moments of trial, temptation, and/or tribulation, when we remember to breathe, to pray those prayers we know, as well as pray spontaneously from the depths of our hearts, not just the words but directing them to a Person, we have a better chance of experiencing God’s presence. Once we have shared, then let us trust and listen, be still and wait on the Lord. God cares, he never abandons us. Trust in Jesus and be not afraid.

Photo: Jesus walks with us each step of the way.

Link for the Mass readings for Saturday, October 18, 2025