Daily Readings - Sat Nov 16 2019
Luke
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men,5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'"6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear a poetic description of God’s power and intervention in history. The passage recounts how God’s word, like a warrior, descended to rescue His people, transforming creation itself to lead them to safety. The Red Sea parts, and the deep becomes a level field, symbolizing God’s ability to make a way where there seems to be none. This reading reminds us of the Exodus story, a central narrative of salvation in the Bible, and it underscores God’s commitment to His people, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different scene: a parable about a persistent widow and an unjust judge. Jesus tells this story to emphasize the importance of prayer and perseverance. The judge, who neither fears God nor respects people, is moved to act only because the widow’s relentless pleas wear him down. Jesus contrasts this with God, who is just and loving, promising that He will quickly vindicate those who cry out to Him. Yet, Jesus ends with a haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This challenges us to examine our own trust in God’s timing and His plan for our lives.
These readings are connected by the thread of trust and perseverance. The first reading shows us God’s faithfulness in delivering His people, while the Gospel urges us to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God will act. Together, they remind us that faith is not about immediate results but about enduring confidence in God’s love and justice. In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, but these readings encourage us to pray without ceasing, knowing that God hears us and will act in His time. Let us take heart in the knowledge that our persistence in prayer is not in vain, for God is always near to those who call upon Him. May we, like the widow, persevere in faith, trusting that the Lord will bring justice and peace to our lives and to the world.