18 November 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections
NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you.
TOPIC: DO WE PRAY WITH EXPECTANT FAITH AND CONFIDENT HOPE IN GOD'S MERCIFUL CARE FOR US?
Show More
First Reading: Wisdom 18: 14-16; 19: 6-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 2-3, 36-37, 42-43
Alleluia: Second Thessalonians 2: 14
Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8
Jesus tells a story that is all too true ⏤ a defenseless widow is taken advantaged of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence, she wears down the judge until he gives her justice. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge and Vindicator is much quicker to come to our defense and to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it. But we can easily lose heart and forget to ask our heavenly Father for his grace and help.
Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8) to give his disciples fresh hope and confidence in God's unfailing care and favor towards us (grace). In this present life, we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. The Day of the Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by a fallen world of sinful people and that God's love is stronger than death. Those who put their faith in God and entrust their lives to him can look forward with hope and confident assurance. They will receive their reward ⏤ if not fully in this present life, then surely and completely in the age to come in God's kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.
This is the 1303rd installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us
