Daily Readings - Sun Oct 19 2025
Exodus
8Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.9And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.10So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.11And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.12But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.13And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
2 Timothy
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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 readings today remind us of the importance of perseverance and trust in God’s providence, even in the face of challenges. In the first reading from Exodus, Moses leads the Israelites in battle against Amalek. Though Moses’ raised hands symbolize prayer and trust in God, his human weakness sets in, and he grows tired. It is only through the support of Aaron and Hur that he can continue, showing us that our faith is not a solitary act but one sustained by community and mutual support. The victory over Amalek is not just a military triumph but a spiritual one, demonstrating that God’s power works through our efforts and our reliance on Him.
The second reading from 2 Timothy emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Scripture. St. Paul reminds Timothy that the Sacred Scriptures are our guide for salvation and that they equip us for every good work. This reading encourages us to stay rooted in the Word of God, even when the world around us seems uncertain or hostile. It also reminds us of the responsibility to share the Gospel with urgency and patience, trusting in God’s plan to bring about His kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow, teaching us about the necessity of prayer and trust in God’s justice. The unjust judge, who neither fears God nor respects man, is moved to act simply because the widow’s persistence wears him down. Jesus contrasts this with God, who is just and loving, promising that He will vindicate His elect who cry out to Him day and night. Yet, the parable ends with a haunting question: will faith still be found on earth when the Son of Man returns? This challenges us to examine our own commitment to prayer and our trust in God’s timing.
These readings call us to live with perseverance and faith. Like Moses, we may grow weary, but we are not alone—God provides us with the support of others and the strength of His Word. Like the widow, we must persist in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will act in His time. And like Timothy, we are called to remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture and to share the Good News with courage and patience. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that our struggles are not in vain. God is always at work, even when we cannot see it, and He will bring about justice and peace in His own time. Let us pray for the grace to remain steadfast in faith, to trust in His providence, and to live as witnesses of His love in a world that often seems indifferent to it.