Saturday, November 12, 2011 {St. Josaphat, Bishop, Martyr (Memorial)}

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
By giving yourself to God, you not only receive Himself in exchange, but eternal life as well.
-- St Francis de Sales

READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9
14 The short night was half over, and all was quiet and peaceful,
15 when suddenly your threats were carried out! An invincible word of judgment sped from your royal throne in heaven, straight down to that doomed land. It came like a soldier in fierce attack,
16 carrying out your firm command with a fearful weapon, standing with feet on the ground and head touching the sky, filling the land with death.

Psalms: Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
2 Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things he has done.
3 Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice.
36 He killed the first-born sons of all the families of Egypt.
37 Then he led the Israelites out; they carried silver and gold, and all of them were healthy and strong.
42 He remembered his sacred promise to Abraham his servant.
43 So he led his chosen people out, and they sang and shouted for joy.
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
(The Parable of the Widow and the Judge)
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged.
2 “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people.
3 And there was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, ‘Help me against my opponent!’
4 For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or respect people,
5 yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!’”
6 And the Lord continued, “Listen to what that corrupt judge said.
7 Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them?
8 I tell you, he will judge in their favor and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?”