Daily Readings - Sat Nov 15 2025
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 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.