(Exodus 17:8-13; Ps 121(120); 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8)

Theme: Submerged in Tears, But Uplifted By the Sound of Eternal Answers.

Our Creator, Lord, and God has bestowed upon us numerous blessings; however, few are willing to share and endeavour to improve the lives of others. This reluctance may stem from their lack of faith rooted in sacred scripture; hence, they have become unwise and show no regard for the common good. As a result, they focus solely on themselves, their aspirations, and plans, and occasionally on the welfare of their family members.

Thus, like the widow depicted in today’s gospel, the prayers and cries for justice, fairness, guidance, and words of encouragement have continued unabated; so, some still yearn for love, seek recognition, and toil hard in the midst of plenty to fend for themselves.

It seems those cries, pains, and worries will never end because some people of our generation are worse than the Judge in today’s gospel. Not only do they lack fear of God and respect for humanity, but they are also devoid of the breath of God’s word in their hearts and minds. As a result, they fail to recognise the Spirit’s correction, reproof, and calls for renewal; consequently, they lack empathy, cannot feel the pain of the weak struggling to overcome their frailty, nor the heartache of children longing to be loved. They are indifferent to citizens' calls for a level playing field and to the endless tears of parents and children pleading for peace, a secure environment, and the means for self-transformation and upliftment.

Therefore, it is correct to say that our help will come solely from the Lord, through the proactive and interceding efforts of those guided by the Spirit and the power of God’s word. To develop listening ears, receptive hearts, and virtuous minds for good deeds, we must meditate daily on God’s word, practise virtues such as humility, kindness, and generosity, and, like Moses in today’s first reading, pray persistently and never relent in being good, especially to strangers.

As givers and intercessors of the Lord, we trust that we will be replenished; that our jars of blessing will not run dry; and that the Lord will surely send strangers to our aid. When our faith wanes, we must intensify our prayers, asking others to pray for us, and never cease waiting on the Lord until He answers. We must constantly cooperate with the Lord’s Spirit until He responds.