Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 15 November ‘25
Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday
Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9. Luke 18:1-8
Prayer and Faith
The Word today holds before us two luminous truths: God listens, and faith perseveres. The readings from Wisdom and the Gospel invite us to contemplate how God acts in silence, accompanies His people in their struggles, and awaits from us a faith that does not lose heart.
(a) God who acts in silence
The Book of Wisdom recalls a moment of deep stillness: “When peaceful silence wrapped all things… Your all-powerful Word leapt down from heaven.” In the night of Israel’s suffering, God acted—not with noise, not with spectacle, but with a saving Word that cut through darkness and brought His people out of bondage. Later, Wisdom says that God opened a path through the sea, guiding His people like a shepherd, while the waters stood still to honour His command.
God saves quietly. He works in the hidden places. Even when we do not see signs or hear answers, His Word is already moving, already shaping a way forward. This is the ground on which prayer stands: confidence in the God who works in silence and saves with certainty.
(b) The Widow: Prayer that does not Give up
The Gospel places before us a striking contrast—an unjust judge and a determined widow. The judge fears neither God nor people. He has no inner moral compass, no outer accountability. Yet the widow keeps coming. Her persistence bothers him enough that he finally grants her justice.
Jesus tells this parable not to compare God to the judge but to contrast them. If even someone utterly indifferent can respond to perseverance, how much more will God—who is just, compassionate, and attentive—hear the cry of His children?
Jesus insists on two attitudes: A heart that does not give up: “Pray always, without losing heart.”
A spirit that trusts deeply: prayer must be woven with faith. The widow’s strength is not her legal standing; it is her hope. She refuses to believe that injustice will have the final word. Her hope fuels her persistence. Her persistence opens the door to justice.
(c) God who listens immediately, even when the answer delays
In the parable, the widow is seeking something rightly hers, yet she is denied again and again. Even a negligent judge eventually recognizes her right. Jesus lifts this up to show God’s goodness: if a human who cares for nothing can deliver justice, how much more swiftly will God defend His chosen ones?
We come before God not as people with claims over Him, but as children who trust His mercy. And He listens—not reluctantly, but eagerly; not delayed by indifference but guided by love. Prayer is not about forcing God’s hand; it is about opening our hearts to His timing, His wisdom, His saving action.
“When the Son of Man Comes…”: A Question to Awaken Us
Jesus ends with a piercing question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
This is not a doubt about God’s faithfulness but a sorrowful concern about ours. Faith is slowly fading in many hearts. Discouragement grows. Prayer becomes optional. Perseverance weakens.
Jesus’ question is an invitation:
Will you remain faithful even when silence feels long? Will you keep praying even when answers are not immediate? Will you trust the God who rescued His people through the sea and still leads His children today? The widow’s example answers for us: faith is not a feeling; it is a decision. Prayer is not a moment; it is a way of life. Hope is not an emotion; it is the courage to trust again.
Prayer and Faith: Our Path Forward
When we stand before God: Let our mindset be faith—that God is near, working in silence.
Let our action be perseverance—that we do not lose heart. Faith gives prayer its fire. Prayer gives faith its strength.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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