Daily Readings - Sat Nov 16 2019
Luke
1And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.2He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.3And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'4For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man,5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'"6And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says.7And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?8I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear a poetic description of God’s power and intervention in history. The passage recounts how God’s word, like a warrior, descended to rescue His people, transforming creation itself to lead them to safety. The Red Sea parts, and the deep becomes a level field, symbolizing God’s ability to make a way where there seems to be none. This reading reminds us of the Exodus story, a central narrative of salvation in the Bible, and it underscores God’s commitment to His people, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different scene: a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge. Jesus tells this story to emphasize the importance of prayer and perseverance. The judge, who neither fears God nor respects people, is moved to act only because the widow’s relentless pleas wear him down. Jesus contrasts this with God, who is just and loving, promising that He will quickly vindicate those who cry out to Him. Yet, Jesus ends with a haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This challenges us to examine our own trust in God’s timing and His plan for our lives.
These readings are connected by the thread of trust and perseverance. The first reading shows us God’s faithfulness in delivering His people, while the Gospel urges us to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God will act. Together, they remind us that faith is not about immediate results but about enduring confidence in God’s love and justice. In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, but these readings encourage us to pray without ceasing, knowing that God hears us and will act in His time. Let us take heart in the knowledge that our persistence in prayer is not in vain, for God is always near to those who call upon Him. May we, like the widow, persevere in faith, trusting that the Lord will bring justice and peace to our lives and to the world.