Saturday, November 16, 2013. 

Today's Liturgical Reading by Daily Flash, Goa. 

Feast of St. Margaret of Scotland or St. Gertrude. 

Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Psalm 104[105]:2-3, 36-37, 42-43; Gospel : Luke 18:1-8. [Please share today's Gospel with family, friends/neighbors.]

Focus:  “Will not God grant justice to His chosen ones who cry to Him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)

Widows have a special place in God’s heart (Psalm 145[146]:9). Once, in the temple, Jesus praised how a widow put her earnings into the treasury. At another time, He felt deep compassion when a widow’s son was being taken for burial. And in today’s Gospel, He holds up a widow as an eloquent example of persistence and trust. 

When a widow loses her husband her world often falls apart. Her life companion is gone and life seems empty. In this vulnerable state, she easily falls prey to land sharks and others with evil intent. That is why she exemplifies misery. In her wretchedness, she must depend on the mercy of the supreme judge, God.

Today, Jesus invites us to the same dependence and trust in Him. When overburdened with extreme trials and the perplexities of life, we should throw ourselves at His feet, supplicating Him again and again and trusting Him without reserve (Focus). We know that He will not abandon us. We have a wonderful example in St. Monica, whose ceaseless prayers won the salvation of her husband and her son.

Let us also not be found wanting in mercy towards those in need, but rather do as Jesus would. Let us always give the helpless their due, especially just and merciful treatment.

Fruit:  From the depths I call to you, O Lord, listen to my cry…