Daily Readings - Sat Nov 15 2025
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
In today's readings, we are presented with two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on God's providence and the efficacy of prayer. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom recounts the Exodus, where God's mighty hand parted the Red Sea, leading the Israelites to safety. This passage underscores God's active intervention in history, highlighting His might and love for His people. The imagery of a sharp sword and a fierce warrior emphasizes the transformative power of God's presence in the world.
The Gospel from Luke offers the parable of the persistent widow, teaching us about the importance of relentless prayer. Jesus uses this story to encourage believers to pray without ceasing, trusting in God's justice and love. The corrupt judge, who eventually yields to the widow's persistence, serves as a metaphor for God, who, unlike the judge, is always just and merciful. This parable is a call to faith and perseverance, reminding us that our prayers are heard and that God will act in His time.
These readings connect through the theme of trust in God's providence. The Exodus story is a historical testament to God's deliverance, while the parable inspires us to maintain faith in the face of challenges. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to emulate the persistence of the widow, trusting that God is always working for our good. Let us approach prayer with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father hears us and will bring about justice and peace in our lives. May we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's plan and His loving presence in our lives.