💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 16 💖

First Reading - 3 John 5-8

Gospel - Luke 18:1-8

In an age of rapid advancements in science and technology, many of our needs are met instantly. This convenience has, however, left us impatient and lacking persistence. When things are delayed, we often become restless. Today’s readings encourage us to cultivate the virtues of patience and persistence, especially in our prayer lives.

The first reading praises the Christian community for their hospitality toward missionaries, highlighting their charity as an example for others. This generosity and support for the work of evangelization stands in contrast to the unjust judge in Jesus' parable in today’s Gospel. While charity and acceptance show us how to embody discipleship, the presence of rejection and difficulty reminds us of the need for patience and endurance.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable during His final journey to Jerusalem. When Luke recorded this story, the early Church was facing persecution and the anticipated return of Jesus was delayed. This delay, along with growing hardships, tested the faith of early Christians. Through the parable, Jesus reassures them—and us—that God hears our persistent prayers and will ultimately grant justice and affirm our faith. The widow in the parable exemplifies the faith, trust, and perseverance that Jesus calls all His disciples to embody in their prayer lives.

The parable draws from the corrupt Roman legal system in Palestine during Jesus’ time. The judge, appointed by Herod or the Romans, was selfish and indifferent, fearing neither God nor public opinion. By repeatedly appealing to him, the widow tried to shame this corrupt judge. Eventually, her persistence prevailed, compelling the judge to grant her justice. This parable teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and reveals the trustworthy and just character of God, who defends the poor and the oppressed. God’s justice, unlike that of the unjust judge, is driven by love and compassion.

Dear friends, prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. This parable reminds us that prayer doesn’t change God’s intentions but opens our hearts to embrace His purposes. When we pray sincerely and persistently, we become better equipped to live out God’s will with love and trust.

We should not expect God to fulfill every desire exactly as we wish. Often, we want immediate answers and solutions from God. But God knows what is best for us and understands the right time to fulfill our needs. Only God has a complete view of time, and therefore, only He knows what is truly good for us in the long term. Our role is to trust in His wisdom and say, “Thy will be done.” By persevering in prayer, we deepen our faith and reliance on God, trusting that He hears us and will provide according to His divine plan.