Ord. Wk 32nd November 17, 2018

Reflection on the WORD

Prayers – Trust: In today’s Gospel, of the parable of the “Persistent widow”, Jesus reminds us to pray with perseverance and great trust that God will surely answer our prayers.  We have to renew our faith that God will always loves us.  He accepts us as we are, and loves us with great compassion.

Lk 18:1-8

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 anyone. In the same town there was also 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, “Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person, I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face” ’

And the Lord said, ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still 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?’ 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Jesus’ story of the persistent woman explains how we should be tireless and fervent in the way we pray and seek God’s help for our needs, the needs of others and the needs of the world.
  • We may be tempted to give up because our prayers do not seem to be answered, but Jesus reminds us today that we should continue to persevere in our prayers. God will hear our pleas; more so when we are in great need.
  • What is your prayer life like?  Are you tempted to give up?  Pray for the grace of perseverance and greater trust in the Lord.