Daily Readings - Sat Nov 14 2020
3 John
5Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,6who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.7For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.8Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
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
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the importance of faith, perseverance, and hospitality. The first reading from 3 John encourages us to act faithfully and generously toward our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who are traveling or in need. The author emphasizes the importance of supporting those who are spreading the Gospel, as their work is a testament to God’s truth. This passage calls us to live out our faith through tangible acts of charity and hospitality, reflecting the love of God in our interactions with others.
The Gospel from Luke presents us with the parable of the persistent widow, who repeatedly petitions the unjust judge for justice. Despite the judge’s initial refusal, the widow’s relentless pursuit eventually moves him to act. Jesus uses this parable to teach us about the necessity of persistent prayer. Just as the widow did not give up, we too must trust in God’s providence and continue to pray, even when our prayers seem unanswered. The parable also challenges us to reflect on our own faith—will we still be praying and trusting in God when he returns?
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize the importance of perseverance and trust in God’s plan. Just as the widow’s persistence ultimately leads to justice, our persistent prayer and faithful actions will bear fruit in God’s time. In our daily lives, we are called to live with the same determination and hope. Let us strive to be people of prayer, trusting that God hears us and will act. At the same time, let us be people of action, living out our faith by supporting one another and spreading the truth of the Gospel. May we grow in faith and perseverance, trusting that God will bring justice and peace to our world.