Daily Readings - Sat Nov 15 2025
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 presented with two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on God's providence and the efficacy of prayer. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom recounts the Exodus, where God's mighty hand parted the Red Sea, leading the Israelites to safety. This passage underscores God's active intervention in history, highlighting His might and love for His people. The imagery of a sharp sword and a fierce warrior emphasizes the transformative power of God's presence in the world.
The Gospel from Luke offers the parable of the persistent widow, teaching us about the importance of relentless prayer. Jesus uses this story to encourage believers to pray without ceasing, trusting in God's justice and love. The corrupt judge, who eventually yields to the widow's persistence, serves as a metaphor for God, who, unlike the judge, is always just and merciful. This parable is a call to faith and perseverance, reminding us that our prayers are heard and that God will act in His time.
These readings connect through the theme of trust in God's providence. The Exodus story is a historical testament to God's deliverance, while the parable inspires us to maintain faith in the face of challenges. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to emulate the persistence of the widow, trusting that God is always working for our good. Let us approach prayer with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father hears us and will bring about justice and peace in our lives. May we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's plan and His loving presence in our lives.