Daily Readings - Sat Nov 18 2017
First Reading - Wisdom 18.14-16; 19.6-9
Gospel - Luke 18.1-8
Luke
1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Sermon
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom paints a vivid picture of God’s power and providence in the history of His people. It describes how God’s Word, like a fierce warrior, descended upon the earth to deliver His people from oppression. The passage recalls the miracles of the Exodus, where the Red Sea parted and the people walked through safely, guided by God’s hand. This reading reminds us of God’s active involvement in history and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him. The context is one of trust and deliverance, emphasizing that God’s ways are beyond human understanding but always oriented toward the salvation of His people.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, who relentlessly petitions an unjust judge for vindication. The judge, moved not by justice but by the widow’s persistence, finally grants her request. Jesus uses this story to teach about the importance of continuous prayer and trust in God’s justice. While the judge is corrupt and indifferent, God is just and loving, and He will not delay in responding to the cries of His elect. The parable challenges us to persevere in prayer, even when our petitions seem unanswered, trusting that God’s timing and wisdom are perfect.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s providence and to persevere in prayer. The Book of Wisdom reminds us of God’s historical interventions, while the Gospel encourages us to seek Him with persistence. In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, and we may feel like giving up. But these readings invite us to lean on God’s faithfulness and to pray without ceasing. Let us approach life’s trials with the same persistence as the widow, trusting that God will act in His time. May we, like the Israelites of old, walk in faith, knowing that God’s hand guides us even when the path ahead seems uncertain.