Never Give Up

 

We are not to give up on God.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Saturday of 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, November 18th, 2023
Texts: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Psalm 105:2-3,36-37,42-43; Luke 18:1-8 

“Never give up” is the watchword, today. We are not to give up on God as the widow did not give up on the unrighteous judge. We have more assurance clinging to God than the woman clinging to the unrighteous judge. Unlike the unrighteous judge, God is good and righteous by nature. If the woman could persevere with the unrighteous judge, how much more we should persevere with God! Hence, the Lord asks, “And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.” 

It is perseverance that sustains faith till the end. Once we lose perseverance, the light of faith goes off. Hence, in the gospel reading, the Lord asks, “Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?" 

God is faithful to His words to help and save us

The wise, in today’s first reading, gives us reason to persevere with God. He reminds us that God is faithful to His words to help and save us. We read, “For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew, complying with your commands, that your children might be kept unharmed.” He renew the creation in fulfilling His promise to protect us. He adds, “The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp, and dry land emerging where water had stood before ... where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation”. God makes way where there is no way. 

Remembering the wonders the Lord has done helps us to persevere, hoping for the good. We read in today’s Psalm thus: “For he remembered his holy word, spoken to Abraham his servant. So he brought out his people with joy, his chosen ones with shouts of rejoicing.” God keeps to His promise. 

Prayer 

God our Father, we thank You for the gift of faith; grant us the grace of final perseverance, that we may keep alive our faith; Make way for us where it seems to be nowhere as You did to our forefathers in faith. Amen  

Fr. Andrew  Olowomuke