Gospel
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Gospel
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
REFLECTION
“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?”
Today is the feast day of St Lawrence O’Toole, who was known for his holiness as a youth and remained virtuous throughout his life. At the age of ten, he endured inhumane treatment for two years after being taken hostage in a raid from Dermod Mac Murehad, King of Leinster in Ireland. Due to his father’s intervention, he was then sent to the bishop of Glendalough where he studied and became a monk. There, his prayer life grew, as did his holiness, so that at the age of 25, he was elected abbot of the monastery. Eleven years later, he became Dublin’s archbishop, where he spent much time negotiating for peace and reforming the church.
Eventually he was required to travel to England to meet with King Henry II. While preparing to celebrate his first mass there, he was attacked so violently, by a maniac, that those present thought he was dead. However, he awoke and asked for water, which he blessed and used to clean his head wound. It immediately stopped bleeding and was healed. Whereupon, the Archbishop proceeded to celebrate mass. As Archbishop of Dublin, this holy saint helped to negotiate peace when England invaded his homeland, Ireland.
Just like St. Lawrence O’Toole, the widow in the parable chose to petition for a just judgement until she was heard. They are examples of how persistent prayers are heard by God and are answered with a just call. St. Lawrence and the widow both dealt with difficult situations that God resolved.
May these two examples encourage us to persevere in our prayer life and know that God hears and will answer justly
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