YEAR A: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (2)
YEAR A: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: PERSISTENCE BREAKS EVERY RESISTANCE
BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU
HOMILY: READINGS: WISDOM18
YEAR A: HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: PERSISTENCE BREAKS EVERY RESISTANCE
BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU
HOMILY: READINGS: WISDOM18:14-16;19:6-9, PSALM 105, LUKE 18:1-8
KEEP PRAYING
KEEP ASKING
KEEP KNOCKING
GOD IS COMING TO YOU
We have for our consideration today the Parable of the Unjust Judge or the parable of the persistent or importunate widow; where a judge who has no sense of compassion is repeatedly approached by a poor widow seeking justice. Of course, she got the justice she sought courtesy of her persistent pestering. She knew what she wanted and was poised to get it come what may; she remained importunate until her request was granted. She had a goal, she was focused and unswervingly determined to meet her goal. Nothing therefore could stand in her way, not even the unresponsiveness of the judge; indeed, she was highly resolute and challenges us to embrace same spirit.
In the religious/spiritual realm, persistent prayer is of utmost importance. St. Paul would say, “Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). This sort of persistent prayer require patience which is itself a needful requisite for effective prayer. When we pray and wait patiently on the Lord, he inclines to us and hears our cry (Ps.40:1). Since there is no short-cut to God’s blessings, since we necessarily must wait for his time; since his time sometimes seems prolonged, and since we need his help come what may; we cannot but hang on and stay firm in prayer and supplication to God. 1Chronicles 16:11 charges us to seek the Lord and his strength; it implores us to seek his face CONTINUALLY! We may want to keep praying until God who is just and full of compassion heeds our call.
Living in a world full of challenges ranging from poverty and impoverishment the consequence of which is hunger and failed health, continuous prayer becomes expedient. Living side by side terrorists, brigands, evil and wicked men who have no regard for human life, incessant prayer seems a ‘must do’. With the raging injustices, corruption, avarice, failed leadership, and the likes holding sway in our society today, the importunate attitude of the widow in our gospel passage becomes our last resort as we pray for God’s intervention. Is your marriage childless? Is your spouse irresponsible and unfaithful? Are your children miscreants? You don’t have the resources to cater for your family? Your business is experiencing a steady and swift retrogression? What difficulty situation is taking life out of your being? Bring it to God in prayer, persist in prayer and like the man in Luke 11:5-10 who got bread from his sleeping friend for his visitor due to his persistence, God will hearken to you and bless you.
Never give up on anything brethren. Never turn your back from your struggles. Keep being Christian whether immediate blessings seem unattainable. Keep on trying, your time of liberation and salvation will come and soon too. I urge you in the words of Paul “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance” (Eph. 6:18). Pray without ceasing (1Thess. 5:17) for persistence breaks every resistance and the importunate seldom fail.
DON’T STOP PRAYING UNTIL YOUR REQUEST IS GRANTED
HELP FEED AND EDUCATE THE POOR
