Daily Gospel Reflection for October 16, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

A common approach to wanting to be heard is to become louder. Drowning out all competing noise gets attention for sure. However, as my toddler can attest to, persistence shouldn’t be underestimated. The judge in this scripture sounds formidable; he does not fear God nor respect any human. We could say the same thing about the world today. In general, it does not fear God nor respect any human being. However, the judge finally offers a just decision for the widow because she keeps pestering him. Likewise, Jesus declares,

“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?”

But the clincher:

“But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Brothers and sisters, we must be persistent! We must pray constantly! We must have faith that the Lord is more powerful than anything or anyone, more radiant than any darkness, and more faithful, loving, and merciful than we can fathom. But will we have faith? Will we have persistence? It can be so easy to feel defeated by loud voices that often have very dark and insidious tones. Let us feel bolstered by this Gospel. Jesus desires our faith and our persistence. Not one prayer is ever wasted, no matter if we recognize its answer in this life or will need to wait until the next to discover how the Lord’s plan all came together.

Ponder:

Do I lose heart and give up prayer too quickly? What am I feeling defeated about that I can offer in prayer to Jesus today?

Pray:

Jesus, today I offer You my often inconsistent and discouraged heart. Increase my faith in Your power over evil, love for me and others, and Your infinite mercy. Grant me the grace of persistence in prayer!