Daily Readings - Sat Nov 18 2023
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
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of faith, persistence, and trust in God's providence. The First Reading from the Book of Wisdom vividly describes God's mighty intervention in history, particularly through the Exodus, where He parted the Red Sea and led His people to safety. This passage reminds us of God's power and His deep care for His children, illustrating how He can transform even the most daunting challenges into opportunities for salvation.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus' parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing the importance of relentless prayer. The widow's determination eventually moves an unjust judge to act, and Jesus contrasts this with God's swift and just response to His people's cries. This parable encourages us to trust in God's justice and to pray without ceasing, even when our prayers seem unanswered. It challenges us to maintain faith, knowing that God will vindicate His elect and act on their behalf.
These readings call us to apply their lessons to our daily lives. Just as the Israelites trusted God during their journey, we too must trust in His providence, especially in uncertain times. The parable of the widow teaches us to persevere in prayer, keeping our hearts open to God's timing and ways. Let us embrace these teachings, nurturing our faith and persistence, and trusting that God will bring justice and peace into our lives. As we go forth, may we carry this message of hope and trust, living as faithful disciples who continually seek and rely on God's grace.