Daily Readings - Thu Oct 09 2025
Malachi
13Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?14Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?15And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Luke
5And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;6For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.8I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on themes of faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Malachi addresses a community that has grown complacent in their faith, questioning the value of serving God when the wicked seem to prosper. Malachi reassures the faithful that their perseverance will be rewarded, while the arrogant will face judgment. This prophetic message reminds us that our commitment to God, even in challenging times, is ultimately worthwhile.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with the parable of the persistent friend. Jesus teaches us about the importance of perseverance in prayer, using the example of a neighbor who, though initially reluctant, eventually responds to persistent knocking. This parable encourages us to trust in God's goodness and to pray with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father will provide for us in ways far greater than any human parent could.
These readings remind us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us seems unjust or when our prayers go unanswered for a time. They call us to trust in God's timing and to persevere in our spiritual journey. As we navigate the challenges of daily life, let us find strength in the promise that our persistence in prayer and our commitment to living justly will ultimately be rewarded. May we continue to seek, knock, and ask with faith, knowing that God's love and provision are always at work in our lives.