SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2023
SATURDAY OF THE THIRTY SECOND WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME A
Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9
Luke 18:1-8
PERSISTENCE IN FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD
Our Christian profession and life sometimes appears like status symbol. It is like a child play. Many are assume to be Christians for the paper work. Adherence to Christ and his teaching is nothing to speak about. It is a shallow understanding of faith. Our lives are distant from the Christian ideals. Our reliance and dependence on Christ is only attested when it is rosy and we are comfortably. But when difficult situations come, we stray and falter.
The question Jesus poses for us today is to call our attention to examine ourselves and see if we actually possess the necessary faith that is characterized by persistence, faithfulness and sincerity.
The parable of the disturbing widow who would not take no for any answer in the face of seeking justice for herself is an example of persistence that every Christian is suppose to possess. That faith is not just mental accent to revealed truth but it also encompass holding forth in expectation and straining oneself in trust and persistence to receive the just cause.
Delays, in human sense may arise, patience is needed for a Christian in this instance. Unfulfilled promises may be lasting but persistence is the attitude to put up because a trustful lamb always waits for his master. Not deviation, no loosing of heart, no despair either. But steadfastness, patience and persistence.
A faithful Christian waits for the Lord and keep asking, keeps faith alive and keeps trusting. Never failing to trust, to hope and to wait for the Lord’s answer.
What is the thing that you want to receive from the Lord? That thing that you have been requesting, that need that you so much desire? That situation that is beyond you? That particular problem that has defiled all solution? Then show your faith in these instances. Test your trust and hope in God. And entrust yourself to God in these situation and see if your persistence will not yield result.
Remember the hand of the Lord is very near. His help is for you and his silence over our difficulties and problems is an indication of his love and care. Wait!!’ God has the right answers to our prayer in his own way. Keep hoping and trusting that his will is best for us and his will must prevail in all circumstances of our lives.
Eternal God of glory, in this life, we confront situations that keeps us guessing your presence, your love and your care over us. Father, deliver us from failing in our faith, from loosing trust in you, from despair and loosing our faith. Give us persistence in our faith, patience in tribulations and answers to our needs and prayers through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
