do not lose heart (lk 18:1)
“This widow is wearing me out.” —Luke 18:5
If the unjust judge, who tends toward evil, and who simply wants the powerless widow to go away, will relent and render her justice (Lk 18:3-5), how much more will the Just Judge, the Lord, act rightly.
We give the forces of evil so much credit. Evil strongholds seem indestructible to us (see Nm 13:31-33; 1 Sm 17:11). Yet evil is prone to imploding and bringing about its own destruction (see e.g. Jgs 7:19-22). The kingdom of God will outlast the forces of evil and emerge victorious (see 1 Jn 4:4). Even if we, God’s soldiers, wear out, God will protect His property (Ps 46:6).
Jesus wonders if there will be any faith when He returns (Lk 18:8). In the context of this parable, Jesus is also wondering if He will find any persistence at the time of His return. Be the answer to Jesus’ search for faith.
“Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1). Persevere. Persist. Have confident faith in His power and loving-kindness. Do not lose heart (Lk 18:1).
Prayer: Lord, “increase our faith” (Lk 17:5). Give us a steadfast, persevering, persistent faith to defeat the forces of evil.
Promise: “Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands.” —Ps 112:1
Praise: St. Josaphat worked diligently to restore unity between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He produced catechisms and other works promoting dialogue between the two groups.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Riding Out the Storm, listen to, download or order our CD 69-1 or DVD 69 on our website.)
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