Be
still, quiet your heart and mind, the Lord is here loving you, talking to
you...............................................
Memorial
of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious (Catholic Observance)
Saturday of
the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time (Roman Rite
Calendar)
First Reading: 3 Jn 5:8
Beloved, you are faithful in all
you do for the brothers and sisters,
especially for strangers;
they have testified to your love before the Church.
Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.
For they have set out for the sake of the Name
and are accepting nothing from the pagans.
Therefore, we ought to support such persons,
so that we may be co-workers in the truth.
especially for strangers;
they have testified to your love before the Church.
Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.
For they have set out for the sake of the Name
and are accepting nothing from the pagans.
Therefore, we ought to support such persons,
so that we may be co-workers in the truth.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
"Blessed the man who fears the
Lord."
Gospel: Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
**
Reflection:
What can a shameless and unjust judge pitted against a crusty
and pestering woman teach us about justice and vindication in the kingdom of
God? Jesus tells a story that is all too true – a defenseless widow is taken
advantaged of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down
an unscrupulous judge until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and
that's especially true for those who trust in God. Jesus illustrates how God as
our Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we
need it. But we can easily lose heart and forget to ask our heavenly Father for
his grace and help. Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to
his disciples. In this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we
are not without hope in God. The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice
triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by his creatures and that God's
love is stronger than death (Song of Songs 8:6). The just who put their trust in
God can look forward with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.
Jesus ends his parable with a probing question for us. Will you and I have
faith – the faith that perseveres to the end – when Jesus returns in glory to
judge the living and the dead? Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to
us. If we want to live, grow, and persevere in faith until the end, then we must
nourish our faith with the word of God and ask the Lord to increase it (Luke
17:5). When trials and setbacks disappoint you, where do you place your hope? Do
you pray with expectant faith and confidence in God's merciful care and
providence for you?
**
Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, make my faith strong that I may never doubt your promises.
When I face trials and difficulties, help me to trust in your unfailing love and
to find joy and contentment in you alone."
Amen.
|
Lectionary for Mass
for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright
© 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm
refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy,
Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be
reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including
electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright
owner.
**Don
Schwager
Author and Writer, Sword of the
Spirit
Editor of Living
Bulwark
and member of Servants of the Word,
UK
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