Daily Readings - Sat Nov 16 2019
Wisdom
14For, when a quiet silence surrounded all things, and when the course of the night was passing the middle of its journey15your almighty word from heaven leapt down from your royal throne, as a fierce warrior in the midst of the land of extermination16as a sharp sword carrying your unfeigned authority, and standing, filled all things with death, and, standing on the earth, reached all the way up to touch heaven
6For every creature according to its kind was fashioned again as from the beginning, diligently serving your teachings, so that your children would be preserved unharmed7For a cloud overshadowed their camp, and where water was before, dry land appeared, and in the Red Sea, a way without hindrance, and out of the great deep, a level field sprung up8through which the whole nation passed, protected by your hand, seeing your miracles and wonders9For they consumed food like horses, and they leapt about like lambs, praising you, O Lord, who had freed them
Luke
1Now he also told them a parable, that we should continually pray and not cease2saying: "There was a certain judge in a certain city, who did not fear God and did not respect man3But there was a certain widow in that city, and she went to him, saying, ‘Vindicate me from my adversary.4And he refused to do so for a long time. But afterwards, he said within himself: ‘Even though I do not fear God, nor respect man5yet because this widow is pestering me, I will vindicate her, lest by returning, she may, in the end, wear me out.’ 6Then the Lord said: "Listen to what the unjust judge said7So then, will not God grant the vindication of his elect, who cry out to him day and night? Or will he continue to endure them8I tell you that he will quickly bring vindication to them. Yet truly, when the Son of man returns, do you think that he will find faith on earth?
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear a poetic description of God’s power and intervention in history. The passage recounts how God’s word, like a warrior, descended to rescue His people, transforming creation itself to lead them to safety. The Red Sea parts, and the deep becomes a level field, symbolizing God’s ability to make a way where there seems to be none. This reading reminds us of the Exodus story, a central narrative of salvation in the Bible, and it underscores God’s commitment to His people, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different scene: a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge. Jesus tells this story to emphasize the importance of prayer and perseverance. The judge, who neither fears God nor respects people, is moved to act only because the widow’s relentless pleas wear him down. Jesus contrasts this with God, who is just and loving, promising that He will quickly vindicate those who cry out to Him. Yet, Jesus ends with a haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This challenges us to examine our own trust in God’s timing and His plan for our lives.
These readings are connected by the thread of trust and perseverance. The first reading shows us God’s faithfulness in delivering His people, while the Gospel urges us to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God will act. Together, they remind us that faith is not about immediate results but about enduring confidence in God’s love and justice. In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, but these readings encourage us to pray without ceasing, knowing that God hears us and will act in His time. Let us take heart in the knowledge that our persistence in prayer is not in vain, for God is always near to those who call upon Him. May we, like the widow, persevere in faith, trusting that the Lord will bring justice and peace to our lives and to the world.