Daily Readings - Thu Oct 09 2025
Malachi
13Your words have gathered strength over me, says the Lord14And you have said, "What have we spoken against you?" You have said, "He labors in vain who serves God," and, "What advantage is it that we have kept his precepts, and that we have walked sorrowfully in the sight of the Lord of hosts15Therefore, we now call the arrogant blessed, as if those who work impiety have been built up, and as if they have tempted God and been saved.16Then those who fear the Lord spoke, each one with his neighbor. And the Lord paid attention and heeded. And a book of remembrance was written in his sight, for those who fear the Lord and for those who consider his name17And they will be my special possession, says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I act. And I will spare them, just as a man spares his son who serves him18And you shall be converted, and you will see the difference between the just and the impious, and between those who serve God and those who do not serve him
1For, behold, the day will arrive, kindled like a furnace, and all the arrogant and all those who act impiously will be stubble. And the approaching day will inflame them, says the Lord of hosts; it will leave behind for them neither root, nor sprout2But unto you, who fear my name, the Sun of justice will arise, and health will be in his wings. And you will go forth and leap like the calves of the herd
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 are invited to reflect on themes of faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Malachi addresses a community that has grown complacent in their faith, questioning the value of serving God when the wicked seem to prosper. Malachi reassures the faithful that their perseverance will be rewarded, while the arrogant will face judgment. This prophetic message reminds us that our commitment to God, even in challenging times, is ultimately worthwhile.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with the parable of the persistent friend. Jesus teaches us about the importance of perseverance in prayer, using the example of a neighbor who, though initially reluctant, eventually responds to persistent knocking. This parable encourages us to trust in God's goodness and to pray with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father will provide for us in ways far greater than any human parent could.
These readings remind us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us seems unjust or when our prayers go unanswered for a time. They call us to trust in God's timing and to persevere in our spiritual journey. As we navigate the challenges of daily life, let us find strength in the promise that our persistence in prayer and our commitment to living justly will ultimately be rewarded. May we continue to seek, knock, and ask with faith, knowing that God's love and provision are always at work in our lives.