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.
or
Alleluia!
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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Never lose heart
The widow in today’s parable was poor and powerless. Still, she had the power of persistence and determination that kept her going to the corrupted judge until He listened and did as she requested. This widow speaks to us about the importance of not losing heart even when the odds are against us. Sometimes, we face circumstances that are against us and become disappointed when God seems absent and silent. It is tempting to conclude: “What is the point of praying since my prayers are unanswered?”
This widow is a model of determined and persevering faith. At the end of the passage, Jesus asks us, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?”. Will He? Will He find in us a strong, persevering faith? Let us never lose heart, even in the face of great challenges in life. God answers our prayers in His time and ways. He is faithful and will provide for all of our needs. We know that we are safe in God’s hands.
Reflective question:
Do I give up easily on God, especially when He seems distant and silent?
Do I give up easily on God, especially when He seems distant and silent?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
