Daily Readings - Thu Oct 06 2022
Galatians
1O senseless Galatians, who has so fascinated you that you would not obey the truth, even though Jesus Christ has been presented before your eyes, crucified among you2I wish to know only this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith3Are you so foolish that, though you began with the Spirit, you would now end with the flesh4Have you been suffering so much without a reason? If so, then it is in vain5Therefore, does he who distributes the Spirit to you, and who works miracles among you, act by the works of the law, or by the hearing of the faith
Luke
5And he said to them: "Which of you will have a friend and will go to him in the middle of the night, and will say to him: ‘Friend, lend me three loaves6because a friend of mine has arrived from a journey to me, and I do not have anything to set before him.7And from within, he would answer by saying: ‘Do not disturb me. The door is closed now, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give it to you.8Yet if he will persevere in knocking, I tell you that, even though he would not get up and give it to him because he is a friend, yet due to his continued insistence, he will get up and give him whatever he needs9And so I say to you: Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you10For everyone who asks, receives. And whoever seeks, finds. And whoever knocks, it shall be opened to him11So then, who among you, if he asks his father for bread, he would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he would give him a serpent, instead of a fish12Or if he will ask for an egg, he would offer to him a scorpion13Therefore, if you, being evil, know how to give good things to your sons, how much more will your Father give, from heaven, a spirit of goodness to those who ask him?
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, persistence, and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Galatians reminds us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith, not in adhering to the law. Paul emphasizes that the Spirit is received through faith, not through works, urging the Galatians to trust in God's grace. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching about persistence in prayer through the parable of the friend at midnight. Despite initial refusal, the friend's persistence leads to his request being granted, illustrating the importance of not giving up in our prayers.
Both readings contextually address trust in God. Galatians was written to a community tempted to revert to legalistic practices, while Luke's parable was part of Jesus' teachings on prayer. Together, they highlight the necessity of faith and persistence. In Galatians, faith is the foundation of our spiritual life, while in Luke, persistence in prayer reflects our trust in God's goodness and timing.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are encouraged to trust in God's grace and remain persistent in prayer. Just as the friend in the parable didn't give up, we too should continue praying, even when faced with challenges. This persistence isn't about wearing God down but about deepening our faith and alignment with His will. Consider a situation where you felt discouraged but chose to keep praying; perhaps you experienced God's provision in unexpected ways.
In reflection, these readings invite us to embrace a life of faith and trust. God, as a loving Father, desires to give us good gifts. We can have confidence that He hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing. Let us approach prayer with persistence and trust, knowing that our Heavenly Father is always working for our good. May we, like the persistent friend, continue knocking, seeking, and asking, trusting in God's love and provision.