Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: 3 JN 5-8; PS 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; LK 18:1-8
Notes: In today’s gospel portion Jesus uses a parable to answer two questions.
The first question is: how do I secure justice?
The Parable of the Persistent Widow – the widow persistently calls for justice even from an unjust judge. In her persistence she is given her desire, if not for the best of reasons (justice) but for the comfort reason (annoyance).
The first answer is: The necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He uses the rhetorical question format to reassure.
- 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?
The second question is: When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?
A basic tenet of theology is that the Lord capable and faithful to his promise.
Our difficulty is discerning these things even in the times (sometimes a long time) when we think are prayers are unanswered.
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
- God is faithful and we have faith in his faithfulness.
- God is just and we have faith in his justice.
- God is merciful and we have faith in his mercy.
- God is kind and we have faith in his kindness.
- God is patient and we have faith in his patience.
The second answer is: Pray each time as if the first time. Pray as if the solution is already on the way.
Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear (Isa 65:24).
Our persistent prayer is a reminder to us he knows, sees and will respond.
Even when we simply do not understand.
For the Unjust Judge
For the sake of my name I restrain my anger, for the sake of my renown I hold it back from you, lest I destroy you (Isa 48:9).
For the Suffering
For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late (Hab 2:3).
For Both
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9).
Nice reflection on perseverance: https://www.fatherduffy.com/never-give-up-2/
Franciscan summary on Saint Josaphat: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-josaphat
First reading
Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
Alleluia Verse
God has called us through the Gospel, to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Portion
The Parable of the Persistent Widow.
Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
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.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 