First reading 3 John 5-8
It is our duty to welcome missionaries and contribute our share to their work
My friend, you have done faithful work in looking after these brothers, even though they were complete strangers to you. They are a proof to the whole Church of your charity and it would be a very good thing if you could help them on their journey in a way that God would approve. It was entirely for the sake of the name that they set out, without depending on the pagans for anything; it is our duty to welcome men of this sort and contribute our share to their work for the truth.
Responsorial Psalm 111(112):1-6
Happy the man who takes delight in the commands of the Lord.
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honour.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
Gospel Luke 18:1-8
The parable of the unjust judge
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’
And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
Keep Praying, Keep Trusting
Jesus speaks to us today about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. Yet, when our prayers seem unanswered and life remains difficult, we can grow discouraged. Our time with Jesus may begin to feel like a routine, and we may find excuses to avoid it. Still, Jesus invites us to stay close to Him.
Prayer is more than something we do at certain times of the day. It is a relationship with God that shapes the way we live. We bring Him our joys, sadness, worries, doubts and hopes. As we share our lives with Him, we learn to recognise His presence in everyday moments. Even when we have no words left, we remain with Him in silence, trusting Him and allowing His love to guide us.
Reflective question:
When prayer feels difficult or God seems silent, how can I continue to stay close to Him?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
