In the midst of situations of injustice, oppression and suffering, the Master warns us of the need to “pray always and never give up”

 

In the midst of situations of injustice, oppression and suffering, the Master warns us of the need to “pray always and never give up”. United in this great prayer, which is the Eucharist, let us renew our commitment to persevere in prayer, fighting for justice, as “co-workers of the truth”.

First Reading: 3 John 5-8

Reading from the third letter of Saint John – 5Dear Gaius, your conduct is very faithful, acting in this way toward your brothers, even though they are strangers. 6They have borne witness to your love before the church. You will do well to provide for them for their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7For for the sake of the Name they set out on the journey without accepting anything from the Gentiles. 8It is up to us, therefore, to welcome them, so that we may be co-workers of the truth. – Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 111(112)

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord!

1. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord / and who loves his law with all his heart! / His descendants will be strong on earth, / blessed is the generation of the upright! – R.

2. Glory and wealth will be in his house, / and the good he has done will endure forever. / He is just, generous and compassionate, / as light shines in the darkness for the righteous. – R.

3. Blessed is the man who is charitable and helpful, / who conducts his affairs with justice. / For the upright will never be shaken, / his memory will endure forever! – R.

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

The Father has called us through the gospel to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess 2:14). – R.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke – At that time, 1Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them the need to pray always and never give up. He said: 2“In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to the judge, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary!’ 4For a long time the judge refused. Finally he said to himself, ‘I neither fear God nor respect man. 5But this widow is already bothering me. I will give her justice, so that she will not come and attack me!’” 6The Lord said to him, “Listen to what this unjust judge says. 7Will not God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep them waiting? 8I tell you that God will give them justice quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” – Word of salvation.

Reflection:

The weak, the voiceless and the indifferent, those who suffer oppression without anyone to defend them, all these categories are well represented here by the widow. She does not settle, she does not agree with injustice. She asks, complains, insists to be heard. After so much pestering from the widow, the corrupt judge, for selfish reasons, ended up giving in (v. 5). The conclusion of the parable is based on the contrast: on one side, the heartless judge; on the other, the merciful God. The former solved the problem of the defenseless woman. All the more so, the God of goodness will help “his chosen ones”, since justice is transparent, immediate, simple. The question concerns the theme of faith. It is not God who is at fault with us; it is we who need conversion and deeper faith.