Daily Readings - Sat Nov 16 2024
3 John
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
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 reminded of the importance of faithfulness and persistence in our relationship with God and in our service to others. The first reading from 3 John emphasizes the need to act faithfully in our dealings with others, particularly in supporting those who are serving the Lord. The author commends the community for their charity and encourages them to continue welcoming and assisting missionaries, even though they may face challenges and sacrifices. This passage highlights the importance of living out our faith through concrete actions of love and hospitality.
The Gospel from Luke presents us with the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. This parable teaches us about the necessity of persistent prayer. The widow, despite being ignored and rejected multiple times, refuses to give up and eventually wears down the judge, who grants her justice simply to be rid of her. Jesus uses this story to reassure us that God, unlike the unjust judge, is loving and just. He will hear the cries of His elect and bring about justice quickly. However, Jesus also poses a challenging question: will He find faith on earth when He returns? This question invites us to reflect on the state of our own faith and our commitment to prayer.
These readings are connected by the theme of perseverance. The first reading encourages us to persevere in acts of charity and faithfulness, while the Gospel urges us to persevere in prayer, trusting that God will hear us. In our daily lives, we often face challenges and setbacks that can lead to discouragement. These readings remind us to remain steadfast, whether in serving others or in our prayer life. Let us take heart in knowing that our efforts, though they may seem small or insignificant, are seen by God and will bear fruit in His time. May we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s providence and remain persistent in living out our faith with love and hope.