Gospel Thought for Today
13th November: Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
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?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?
Today’s Gospel is truly heartwarming. If the unjust judge delivered a just decision for the tenacious widow, how much more God who loves us? St Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian nun who was the first American citizen to become a saint, wrote (while on board a ship to the United States), “God loved us before He created the seas, which He ordained for us to use and to enjoy. The good God has loved us from all eternity. Let us love Him and serve Him with joy for the few brief days we have to live.” If our prayers seem unanswered, it does not mean that God is unkind and uncaring. Perhaps He is just preparing our hearts to receive whatever blessing He has in mind for us. Like the widow in Jesus’ parable and like St Frances Xavier Cabrini, let persevere in calling out to God day and night. As the song goes, “Put your trust in Him.”
- How do you relate with the widow in today’s Gospel?
- How quick (or slow) are you in responding to someone’s plea for help?
- How persevering are you in prayer?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of St Frances Xavier Cabrini, grant us the grace to be persevering in our prayers that we may be ready to receive what You know is best for us. Amen.
