Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 10 Oct ‘24
XXVII Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
Galatians 3:1-5. Luke 11:5-13
Human perseverance and divine providence
In today’s readings, we are called to reflect on the themes of perseverance and divine providence. St. Paul reminds us that true perseverance is rooted in faith, while Jesus teaches us the power of persistent prayer. Together, they reveal that trusting in God’s providence leads us to the fullness of His blessings.
1. Perseverance in faith, not just in actions
In the first reading, Paul rebukes the Galatians for relying on works of the law instead of faith in Christ. He reminds them that they received the Spirit through faith and must persevere in that faith rather than returning to old ways. Human perseverance must be grounded in faith, not simply in actions or legalistic observance. Our perseverance in prayer and in life’s challenges should flow from a deep trust in God’s promise. Faith enables us to endure, knowing that it is God’s Spirit that sustains us, not our human efforts alone.
2. Persistent prayer as a response to divine providence
In the gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of a man who persistently knocks on his friend’s door at midnight asking for bread. The friend eventually responds – not because of friendship, but because of the man’s persistence. This illustrates the importance of perseverance in prayer. Jesus assures us that when we persistently knock, God opens the door, revealing His providence. Persistent prayer is not about changeng God’s mind, but about aligning ourselves with His will. God’s providence unfolds in His perfect timing, and through perseverance in prayer, we learn patience and trust in His loving plan for our lives.
3. Divine providence: God gives what is truly good
Jesus encourages His disciples to ask, seek, and knock, assuring them that God, as a loving Father, will give good gifts to those who ask Him. Jesus contrasts earthly fathers, who give what is best for their children, with our heavenly Father, who knows what is truly good for us. Divine providence does not always provide what we want, but what we truly need. Our perseverance in prayer and in faith leads us to trust that God knows what is best, even when His answers are different from our expectations. As we persevere, we grow in confidence that God’s providence is always for our ultimate good.
#
The ’pilgrims of hope’ remain steadfast in their faith and persistent in prayer. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 221)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment