Delivered by Brendon from the Church of Divine Mercy in Shah Alam, in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2 Timothy 4: 10-17a; Rs psalm 145: 10-11.12-13ab.17-18; Luke 10: 1-9.

PREPARE FOR THE WORST

The title of our meditationtoday is: PREPARE FOR THE WORST. In his second letter to Timothy, Saint Paulwrote the stirring words: "Only Lukeremains with me" (2 Timothy 4:11 ). This sentence is simple, but verymeaningful. Paul was in loneliness, abandoned by manyof his former collaborators.

Some went to theirrespective places of duty, while others chose paths away from God. In the midstof that human fragility, Luke stayed — an affirming loyal friend. From there,we learn that in the most difficult times, the faithfulness of a person who remains present, could be a sign of God's own presence. Even if the person is sick or in difficulty.

Paul does not hide the harsh reality of his life.He was not romantic about suffering, but faced it with realistic faith. He knewthat the struggle to preach the gospel was not always overfilled with support, it was notalways accompanied by facilities. Sometimes ithad to be lived in solitude. However, this is wherethe faith is tested: do we keep on believing when we are few, when resources are limited, andwhen spirits begin to fade? It is in this situation that Luke became asymbol that God does not abandon the faithful. God willalways send someone — or a way — to strengthen us,to remain steadfast. God offers someone tohelp us.

Jesus once said: "The harvest is plentiful, but thelaborers are few." (Luke 10:2). This sentence was not just a complaint, but a call to be ready to face theharsh reality of mission. The church has always been in the same situation asPaul and Luke: many fields of ministry, but few are ready to step in. So,preparing for the worst does not mean giving in to pessimism, but preparing theheart to remain faithful despite loneliness, challenges, and shortcomings.

When we are faced with situations where friendsare gone one by one, or when we have to shoulderheavy responsibilities alone, we are reminded thatGod's work does not stop because we are only few. It is precisely in that very limited situation that God shows the abundance of His love. He cultivates strength in weaknesses, and putslight in the midst of darkness. Just like Luketo Paul, God sent certain people—sometimesjust one—to become our support, reminder, andproof that God's love is real.

Today, the Churchcontinues to produce "laborers in the Lord's vineyard": those whosilently pray, serve, teach, heal, and sow love in the midst of an often coldworld. We are called to be part of them—ready for the worst, but still holdingon to the best: the Lord's loving-kindness. Because in the end, it is not thenumber of people who determine the harvest, but the faithfulness of those whoendure in God's vineyard untilthe end.

Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... OHeavenly Father, in You we receive all Your blessings and love, may today wenot forget to glorify You through our words and actions. Hail Mary, full ofgrace ... In the name of the Father...