π Readings for October 19, 2025
First Reading – Exodus 17:8-13
“Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose men for us … I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’ Joshua did as Moses told him … while Moses held up his arms, Israel succeeded; when he let his arms fall, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ arms grew heavy, so Aaron and Hur held up his arms, one on one side and the other on the other side.” Catholic Gallery+1
Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come?
My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. Catholic Gallery
Second Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
“But you must remain faithful to what you have learned and believed … All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching … I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus … proclaim the word, be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient.” Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel – Luke 18:1-8
“Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity of praying always without becoming weary. He said, ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected any human being. A widow in that town kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” … And the Lord said, ‘Will not God secure the rights of his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will … But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’” Catholic Gallery+1
π Verse of the Day
“Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will quickly give justice to them. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” — Luke 18:8
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings call us to endurance, prayer, and trust. The Israelites in Exodus needed help; Moses’ arms had to be held up so Israel could prevail. In Luke’s Gospel, we meet the persistent widow, whose ceaseless plea wins justice. We are invited not to lose heart, to keep faith alive, and to entrust our struggles to God.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, Jesus illustrates the power of persistent prayer. The judge is not just, yet the widow’s perseverance wins. Jesus then says that if even this corrupt judge gives justice, how much more will a loving God respond to His chosen ones. The final line is sobering: when Christ returns, will He find faith? The call is clear: keep praying, keep believing, remain faithful.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Faith & Help
-
In Exodus, Moses intercedes with elevated arms while the battle rages. Israel’s victory depended partly on human cooperation (Aaron & Hur) and on the staff of God—a symbol of divine help.
-
The Psalm assures us our help comes from the Lord; He watches, protects, is unwavering.
-
In 2 Timothy, the call is to remain faithful, cling to Scripture, and proclaim the Word even when it is difficult—not because of convenience, but because truth matters.
IV. Deeper Reflections
-
Prayer is not a one-time request; it is continual, persistent, and rooted in trust.
-
Sometimes help requires holding up someone’s arms (Aaron & Hur) or leaning on community; God uses others through us.
-
Do we have faith when situations grind on? Will we keep believing even when answers appear delayed?
-
The question Jesus asks strikes deep: Will He find faith on earth when He comes? Our lives matter, our perseverance matters.
V. Practical Applications
-
Reflect on one situation you’ve waited for an answer in. Rather than resigning, commit to persistent prayer today.
-
Support someone who is “wearing down” in their faith—encouragement, listening, practical help.
-
Stand on the truth of God’s Word: memorize Luke 18:8 or Psalm 121:1-2 and speak it in discouragement.
-
Open your heart to community: just as Aaron & Hur supported Moses, be a support and allow yourself to be supported.
VI. Conclusion
God’s justice is sure, His help is available, and His call to faithful perseverance remains. Whether in battle, waiting, or interceding for others, we are invited to trust and persist. May our lives bear witness that the Lord does not delay over those who call on Him, and that through persistent faith we reflect the Kingdom.
π Prayer for the Reader & the Philippines
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our help and for hearing us when we call. Grant us the strength to pray without giving up, to believe without seeing, and to trust beyond our circumstances. Raise up in us perseverance, faith, and hope.
We also lift up our beloved Philippines and all its people. Protect our land from disasters—earthquakes, storms, floods—and guard every home and community. Grant our leaders wisdom, integrity, and a heart for justice. Free our nation from corruption, heal our people’s wounds, and bring unity, peace, and righteousness into every corner of our country.
May our persistent faith shine as a beacon, and may we continue to call on Your name day and night. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment