Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 14, 2020
First Reading: 3 John 1.5-8
5Most beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners6they have given testimony to your charity in the sight of the Church. You would do well to lead these ones worthily to God7For they set out, on behalf of his name, accepting nothing from the unbelievers8Therefore, we must accept such as these, in order that we may cooperate with the truth
Psalm 112
1Alleluia. Of the return of Haggai and Zachariah. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord. He will prefer his commandments exceedingly2His offspring will be powerful on the earth. The generation of the upright will be blessed3Glory and wealth will be in his house, and his justice shall remain from age to age4For the upright, a light has risen up in the darkness. He is merciful and compassionate and just5Pleasing is the man who shows mercy and lends. He will order his words with judgment6For he will not be disturbed in eternity7The just one will be an everlasting memorial. He will not fear a report of disasters. His heart is prepared to hope in the Lord8His heart has been confirmed. He will not be disturbed, until he looks down upon his enemies9He has distributed, he has given to the poor. His justice shall remain from age to age. His horn shall be exalted in glory10The sinner will see and become angry. He will gnash his teeth and waste away. The desire of sinners will perish
Gospel: Luke 18.1-8
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
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the importance of faith, perseverance, and hospitality. The first reading from 3 John encourages us to act faithfully and generously toward our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who are traveling or in need. The author emphasizes the importance of supporting those who are spreading the Gospel, as their work is a testament to God’s truth. This passage calls us to live out our faith through tangible acts of charity and hospitality, reflecting the love of God in our interactions with others.
The Gospel from Luke presents us with the parable of the persistent widow, who repeatedly petitions the unjust judge for justice. Despite the judge’s initial refusal, the widow’s relentless pursuit eventually moves him to act. Jesus uses this parable to teach us about the necessity of persistent prayer. Just as the widow did not give up, we too must trust in God’s providence and continue to pray, even when our prayers seem unanswered. The parable also challenges us to reflect on our own faith—will we still be praying and trusting in God when he returns?
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize the importance of perseverance and trust in God’s plan. Just as the widow’s persistence ultimately leads to justice, our persistent prayer and faithful actions will bear fruit in God’s time. In our daily lives, we are called to live with the same determination and hope. Let us strive to be people of prayer, trusting that God hears us and will act. At the same time, let us be people of action, living out our faith by supporting one another and spreading the truth of the Gospel. May we grow in faith and perseverance, trusting that God will bring justice and peace to our world.