Daily Gospel Reflection
Join the Notre Dame family of faith. Receive God’s Word and a unique reflection in your inbox each day.
November 12, 2022
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
The first line of this gospel includes the words of Jesus reminding his disciples to pray always. On the one hand, the task of praying always seems daunting and unreasonable. How does one always pray amid a busy life? Is it stopping everything for a daily Mass or full rosary, or is it as simple as taking short moments throughout the day to call upon Jesus?
My mother shared a constant faith and strong belief in the power of prayer with us, especially through the string of hardships we faced as a family: my younger sister died of cancer, one of my brothers was born prematurely, and my father had a heart attack at the age of 36 after working two jobs to pay the endless medical bills. We prayed short prayers as well as the rosary together. Prayer offered a great source of comfort and eased our heavy hearts.
The image of the widow relentlessly seeking justice from the judge reminds me today of my mother, who continues to seek assistance from Jesus as she and my father battle cancer. I ponder the amount of effort it took the widow to visit the judge over and over again.
We are fortunate that minimal external effort is needed to pause and call upon Jesus in prayer. Although our prayers may not be answered as we desire, God has a way of providing peace and acceptance.
Today, my niece and her fiance enter into the vocation of marriage. I can’t help but again, think of my beloved parents who have been married for over 59 years, setting the example of simple, heartfelt collaboration and prayer over the years.
May we each become such role models for others, always praying in the face of so much conflict in our world.
Prayer
Our Father, have you heard our cries? Have you heard our calls, our small voices, hoarse and tight? You tell us not to lose heart. Wash our hearts with grace so that we may trust your promise, so that our heavy hearts will not be lost in the night. You promise to send your justice, bright and burning. Will the Son of Man find faith on the earth? Give us this faith, O God. Quicken our hearts, spark and winnow our hope into a flame of love that expects your justice, and rejoices when it blossoms. Amen.
Saint of the Day
John Kunsevich was born in what is now Poland in 1580 and lived during a time of schism between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. As a youth, he turned down a marriage arrangement and business partnerships in order to enter a monastery in 1604, when he took the name Josaphat.
He lived a life of prayer and discipline and as he matured, was named bishop of a local church in present-day Ukraine that was in great need of reform. He led by example and instituted changes that helped clergy and laity alike live more faithfully. Schismatic Orthodox bishops took up residence in the same area, claiming priority in the faith among the people. Conflict arose, and Josaphat was unfairly discredited. He tried to calm the troubles by speaking out, knowing full well that it might cost him his life. "If I am counted worthy of martyrdom,” he said, “then I am not afraid to die."
He urged patience and forbearance among his people, even when they were incited to violence. Tensions rose until finally a mob gathered and took him by force—he was beaten and killed and his body was thrown in the river.
It is said that the Jewish people of the city acted heroically amidst the violent mob—they risked their own lives to try to protect Josaphat and his friends and servants. These Jews saved many lives and they were the only ones to publicly accuse the killers of Josaphat and mourn his death while the Catholics of the city hid.
The violence convinced many in the city that things had gone too far, and public opinion moved towards unity. Orthodox opposition leaders came to reconcile with Rome. The relics of St. Josaphat rest in the reliquary chapel.
St. Josaphat, who gave your life for the unity of Christians and inspired reconciliation with your death, pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Josaphat is used with permission from Catholic Online. Last accessed November 15, 2024.