Daily Gospel Reflection for November 12, 2022

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

Reflection by Colleen M. Rooney

Today's Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

We all know that woman who never takes no for an answer. She wiggles her way into the last seat on the bus just as you went to climb into it. She is beside you on the airplane asking the flight attendant to adjust the light so she can read after all the cabin lights have been dimmed, and you hope to sleep. She knows what she wants, and she is determined to get it. Is this a caricature of the woman in our Lord’s instruction? Maybe, but there is much to be said for this tenacious quality of persistence.

Jesus is encouraging the disciples and us to pray always and not to grow weary. We all have difficult persons or situations in our lives that require prayer. I don’t know about you, but there are times I am weary and wonder if there ever will be an answer, a satisfactory answer. Of course, when I least expect it there often is and then I am rather ashamed of myself for doubting the goodness and mercy of our Father in heaven. Unlike the widow who champions her cause, many of us tire of praying. Maybe we need to pray for ourselves, asking for the grace to pray without tiring or to pick ourselves back up when we have lost heart. The widow is one of the great women role models for us in scripture. She is determined to obtain what is needed and goes forward until God answers her prayer. She has that great faith that supports her and in time is rewarded with a just answer.

Ponder:

What helps me when I grow weary during prayer?

Pray:

Dear Lord, you know that I am a weak woman in need of strengthening. Please grant me the grace to activate the muscle of persistent prayer.

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We all know that woman who never takes no for an answer. #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Colleen M. Rooney