First reading Wisdom 18:14-16,19:6-9
The Red Sea became an unimpeded way
When peaceful silence lay over all,
and night had run the half of her swift course,
down from the heavens, from the royal throne, leapt your all-powerful Word;
into the heart of a doomed land the stern warrior leapt.
Carrying your unambiguous command like a sharp sword,
he stood, and filled the universe with death;
he touched the sky, yet trod the earth.
For, to keep your children from all harm,
the whole creation, obedient to your commands,
was once more, and newly, fashioned in its nature.
Overshadowing the camp there was the cloud,
where water had been, dry land was seen to rise,
the Red Sea became an unimpeded way,
the tempestuous flood a green plain;
sheltered by your hand, the whole nation passed across,
gazing at these amazing miracles.
They were like horses at pasture,
they skipped like lambs,
singing your praises, Lord, their deliverer.
Responsorial Psalm 104(105):2-3,36-37,42-43
Remember the wonders the Lord has done.
O sing to him, sing his praise;
tell all his wonderful works!
Be proud of his holy name,
let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
He struck all the first-born in their land,
the finest flower of their sons.
He led out Israel with silver and gold.
In his tribes were none who fell behind.
For he remembered his holy word,
which he gave to Abraham his servant.
So he brought out his people with joy,
his chosen ones with shouts of rejoicing.
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?’
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Praying with trust
In today’s parable, the widow represents someone who, despite being poor and powerless, demonstrates the power of persistence and determination. She continually approaches a corrupt judge until he finally listens and grants her request. This widow teaches us the importance of prayer: to pray consistently and never lose heart. We should keep praying, no matter the obstacles we face. God answers our prayers in His own time and in His own ways. We can trust that He will provide for all our needs, as He loves and cares for us.
Jesus concluded the parable by asking, “But when the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on earth?” This question invites us to maintain a persistent faith, even when we do not see immediate results from our prayers. Let us hold onto our faith in God and express it through our actions in every aspect of our lives, especially during our suffering, cultivating a deep and trusting relationship with Him.
Reflective questions:
Have I ever felt discouraged in my prayer? In those moments, what encourages me to continue trusting and not give up?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
