Daily Readings - Thu Oct 06 2022
Galatians
1You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?4Have you suffered so much for nothing--if it really was for nothing?5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Luke
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, persistence, and trust in God's providence. The first reading from Galatians reminds us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith, not in adhering to the law. Paul emphasizes that the Spirit is received through faith, not through works, urging the Galatians to trust in God's grace. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching about persistence in prayer through the parable of the friend at midnight. Despite initial refusal, the friend's persistence leads to his request being granted, illustrating the importance of not giving up in our prayers.
Both readings contextually address trust in God. Galatians was written to a community tempted to revert to legalistic practices, while Luke's parable was part of Jesus' teachings on prayer. Together, they highlight the necessity of faith and persistence. In Galatians, faith is the foundation of our spiritual life, while in Luke, persistence in prayer reflects our trust in God's goodness and timing.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are encouraged to trust in God's grace and remain persistent in prayer. Just as the friend in the parable didn't give up, we too should continue praying, even when faced with challenges. This persistence isn't about wearing God down but about deepening our faith and alignment with His will. Consider a situation where you felt discouraged but chose to keep praying; perhaps you experienced God's provision in unexpected ways.
In reflection, these readings invite us to embrace a life of faith and trust. God, as a loving Father, desires to give us good gifts. We can have confidence that He hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing. Let us approach prayer with persistence and trust, knowing that our Heavenly Father is always working for our good. May we, like the persistent friend, continue knocking, seeking, and asking, trusting in God's love and provision.