Daily Readings - Thu Oct 06 2022
Galatians
1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.2Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?4Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain?5Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith--
Luke
5And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves,6for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him';7and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'?8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.9And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.10For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.11What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;12or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?13If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, persistence, and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Galatians reminds us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith, not in adhering to the law. Paul emphasizes that the Spirit is received through faith, not through works, urging the Galatians to trust in God's grace. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching about persistence in prayer through the parable of the friend at midnight. Despite initial refusal, the friend's persistence leads to his request being granted, illustrating the importance of not giving up in our prayers.
Both readings contextually address trust in God. Galatians was written to a community tempted to revert to legalistic practices, while Luke's parable was part of Jesus' teachings on prayer. Together, they highlight the necessity of faith and persistence. In Galatians, faith is the foundation of our spiritual life, while in Luke, persistence in prayer reflects our trust in God's goodness and timing.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are encouraged to trust in God's grace and remain persistent in prayer. Just as the friend in the parable didn't give up, we too should continue praying, even when faced with challenges. This persistence isn't about wearing God down but about deepening our faith and alignment with His will. Consider a situation where you felt discouraged but chose to keep praying; perhaps you experienced God's provision in unexpected ways.
In reflection, these readings invite us to embrace a life of faith and trust. God, as a loving Father, desires to give us good gifts. We can have confidence that He hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing. Let us approach prayer with persistence and trust, knowing that our Heavenly Father is always working for our good. May we, like the persistent friend, continue knocking, seeking, and asking, trusting in God's love and provision.