“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Saturday, 18th November 2017.
Thirty Second Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wis 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9;
Ps 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42, 43;
Lk 18: 1-8.
Prayer can do miracles. There is no doubt about it, but how can one keep praying continually? What Jesus expects from all of us is perseverance in faith, counting on God even when the going gets tough. This can happen only when we have learned to let God work through our lives. Jesus has shown us the way. He was in constant communion with his father, from the beginning until the end. He knew the father would never turn him down.
Today’s Gospel passage shows the perseverance of a widow. Her perseverance made even the corrupt judge to give justice to her. I remember hearing of a priest who went to a Government office seeking a license for himself. The official did not respond. The priest realized that the official needed a bribe. So the priest requested to forward the license application, since it was his duty. On the officials refusal. The priest just knelt down in front of the counter and started praying the rosary, after an hour or so, the official came forward and apologized and processed the application. We see a similar attitude displayed by priests and laity in front of abortion clinics and Planned Parenthood centers praying for the conversion of doctors and parents who are planning an abortion. This year agencies reported a 62% drop in the rate of abortions in USA.
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 out heavenly Father for his grace and help. Jesus gives 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. Jesus ends with a probing question for us. Will you and I have faith, the faith that perseveres to the end?
Prayer: Lord, Help me to trust in You and to seek You more persistently in my prayer. Amen.