SATURDAY, THIRTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
3 Jn 5-8 Ps 112: 1-6 Lk 18: 1-8
A LIFE OF PERSISTENT FAITH AND GENEROSITY
In today’s first reading, John commends Gaius for his unwavering hospitality and support for missionaries and traveling teachers. Gaius’s actions reflect a life oriented towards the greater good of the Gospel. His hospitality is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of a deeper commitment to God’s work. He recognizes that such support is crucial in advancing the mission of spreading Christian teachings. John’s commendation highlights the value of practical love, love expressed through tangible actions. This form of love goes beyond mere words and embodies a sacrificial commitment to furthering the mission of the Church. The passage calls believers to evaluate their own lives: Are we generous in supporting those who spread the message of Christ?
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Jesus uses the story of the persistent widow to underscore the necessity of persistent faith and unwavering prayer. The widow’s repeated appeals to the judge, despite his initial indifference, eventually lead to justice. This parable teaches that God, unlike the unjust judge, is always just and responsive. The emphasis is on the faithful endurance in prayer and trust in God’s righteousness. The parable reminds of the importance of perseverance in our spiritual lives. It encourages believers to continue seeking God’s intervention and justice with patience and faith, even when immediate answers seem elusive. The concluding question, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” prompts self-examination about the depth and sincerity of our faith.
In essence, the liturgy challenges us to live a life that is both supportive and steadfast. It urges us to embody faith through our actions and to remain hopeful and persistent in our spiritual endeavours, learning from Gaius’s generous spirit and the widow’s unwavering persistence.
Response: Blessed the man who fears the Lord
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