First Reading: Third John 1:5-8
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brothers, and that for strangers, who have given testimony of your charity in the sight of the church. You will do well to help them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
Because for His name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such people, that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.
Alleluia: Second Thessalonians 2:14
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
And He spoke also a parable to them that we ought always to pray and not to faint, saying: There was a judge in a certain city who feared not God nor regarded man.
And there was a certain widow in that city, and she came to him saying: Avenge me of my adversary. And he would not for a long time. But afterwards he said within himself: Although I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest continually coming she weary me.
And the Lord said: Hear what the unjust judge says. And will not God avenge His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He have patience in their regard? I say to you that He will quickly avenge them. But yet when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?
Reflection
Jesus tells us today - pray always and do not lose heart.
He tells of a widow who keeps coming to an unjust judge. The judge does not fear God and does not care for people. But because she keeps coming, he finally gives her justice, just to get her off his back. If even an unjust judge listens because of persistence, how much more will God listen to His own who cry to Him day and night?
John shows us what faith looks like in action - you faithfully help brothers and even strangers who work for the Gospel. You send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. We become fellow helpers of the truth.
So keep praying, even when the answer feels late. Let your prayer make you merciful, compassionate, just - a light risen in darkness. God will act quickly in His time. Will He find faith in you when He comes?
Prayer
Merciful Father, teach me to pray always and not to faint. Give me the widow's perseverance and trust in your justice. When answers seem delayed, keep my faith alive. Make my prayer fruitful in welcome, generosity, and help for those who carry your Gospel. Let your light rise in my darkness, so I may be merciful and just. Amen.
Readings are taken from the Douay-Rheims Bible, rendered in modern English for easy reading.
