📖 Readings for October 9, 2025
(From the USCCB / Catholic gallery sources) USCCB+2Catholic Daily Readings+2
First Reading – Malachi 3:13-20b
“You have said harsh things about me,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ … You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; what is the benefit of keeping his charge or of walking mournfully before the LORD of hosts?’ … The day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble… But for you who fear my name, the Sun of justice shall rise with healing in its wings.” Catholic Gallery+2Catholic Daily Readings+2
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…
Ps 1 also says: He is like a tree planted by streams of water… Catholic Online+1
Gospel – Luke 11:5-13
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight, and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived from a journey, and I have nothing to offer him.’ And the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me; the door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed.’ I tell you, even if he will not get up to give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
“So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a serpent instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” Catholic Gallery+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” — Luke 11:9
Reflection
I. Introduction
Prayer is more than ritual; it is a conversation with God. Today’s readings emphasize persistence, trust, and the generous heart of God. As we ask, seek, and knock, the Father invites us deeper into relationship.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Jesus uses a vivid parable: a man in need knocks at his neighbor’s door at midnight. The neighbor initially resists, but because of persistence, he eventually gives. Jesus draws the analogy to our relationship with God: persistent prayer moves the heart of God, not because He is wearied, but because He delights in our trust.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility & Trust
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In Malachi, people doubt the value of serving God, complaining that the wicked prosper. God promises that a day is coming when justice will prevail, and healing will come to those who fear His name.
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The Psalm depicts the righteous as flourishing, rooted in hope in the Lord.
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Together they underscore faith: though circumstances may discourage, God sees, remembers, and responds.
IV. Reflections
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Sometimes prayer feels like pounding on a locked door. Jesus encourages us: don’t give up.
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The parable challenges a casual, half-hearted approach to prayer. Persistence is not annoyance to God but demonstration of reliance.
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God does not always answer in the ways we expect—but the promise is there: when we ask, seek, knock, the door will be opened.
V. Practical Applications
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Choose one request you’ve hesitated to bring before God. Ask Him today, persistently.
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Keep a “prayer journal” of prayers asked, prayers answered, and times when you waited—so your faith can grow in remembering God’s faithfulness.
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In moments of doubt or silence, keep knocking—resume prayer even when discouraged.
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Trust God’s timing and manner of answering; some doors open immediately, others open in ways beyond our imagination.
VI. Conclusion
God invites us into bold, trusting prayer. He is not distant or silent—He listens, acts, and gives the Holy Spirit to those who knock. Let us then bring our desires, longings, and needs with faith, persistence, and humility, confident that our Father is attentive to us.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Help me to pray with persistence. Teach me not to lose heart when doors stay closed or answers seem delayed. Give me faith the size of a mustard seed and the patience to ask, seek, and knock. Thank You for always listening, for always being present, and for the gift of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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