＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

3John 5-8

 Beloved, you do well to care for the brothers and sisters as you do.

I mean those coming from other places. They spoke of your charity before the assembled Church. It will be well to provide them with what they need to continue their journey, as if you did it for God.

 In reality, they have set out on the road for his name without accepting anything from the pagans. We should receive such per­sons, making ourselves their cooperators in the work of the truth.

 

Ps 112 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told them a parable to show them that they should pray con­tinually and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor people.

 In the same town was a widow who kept coming to him, saying: ‘Defend my rights against my op­ponent.’ For a time he refused, but finally he thought: ‘Even though I neither fear God nor care about people, this widow bothers me so much I will see that she gets justice; then she will stop coming and wearing me out.”

And Jesus explained, “Listen to what the evil judge says. Will God not do justice for his chosen ones who cry to him day and night even if he delays in answering them? I tell you, he will speedily do them justice. Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

 

Gospel Reflection：

The church of Luke’s day is experiencing persecution and longing for the Parousia (Second Coming), which they expect to vindicate them and to end their suffering. However, the Parousia seems long overdue, and disciples are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their faith.

Our Gospel lesson (18:1-8) continues to address the issues of faith in difficult times, and reassures the disciples that God hears their prayers. It calls us to maintain hope through the darkest of days. It tells us that discipleship is not an easy road, but reminds us that God will vindicate faithful disciples.