Daily Readings - Sat Nov 12 2022
3 John
5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;6Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:7Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, persistence, and trust in God. The first reading from 3 John emphasizes the importance of actively supporting those who serve in God's name. It highlights the early Christian community's reliance on charity and cooperation, urging us to assist missionaries without seeking help from unbelievers. This passage underscores the necessity of living out our faith through tangible actions, reflecting our commitment to God's truth.
The Gospel from Luke presents the parable of the persistent widow, teaching us about the power of relentless prayer. The widow's determination moves an unjust judge to act, illustrating that if even an unrighteous authority can grant justice, how much more will our righteous God respond to our petitions. This parable encourages us to maintain faith and persistence in our prayers, trusting in God's timing and justice.
Connecting these readings, we see a common thread of faith in action. 3 John calls us to active support of God's work, while Luke's parable inspires persistent prayer. Together, they remind us to trust in God's providence and live out our faith through both deeds and devotion. As we navigate our daily lives, may we embody this faith, trusting that our persistent prayers and selfless actions will bear fruit, reflecting God's love and justice in the world.