Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) - Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9: In a moment of stillness, God's powerful word, like a warrior, brought judgment. Nature was transformed to save God's children, providing a miraculous path and reason for praise.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - 3 John 5-8: Your faithful service to believers, especially strangers, is commendable. Support them in their journey for God's sake, being co-workers in the truth.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 105: Praise and glory to the Lord for his marvelous deeds. He struck down the firstborn in Egypt, leading His people out with joy and fulfilling His promise to Abraham.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 112: The man who reveres the Lord and delights in His commands is blessed with a strong lineage, prosperity, and enduring generosity, shining with justice and everlasting remembrance.
• Gospel - Luke 18:1-8: Jesus emphasized the importance of persistent prayer through a parable. He described a persistent widow who, despite the judge's initial reluctance, succeeded in obtaining justice due to her unyielding requests. This judge, indifferent to God or people, acted only to avoid further annoyance. Jesus contrasted this with God's response to His chosen ones, assuring that God will swiftly deliver justice to those who persistently call on Him. He concluded, questioning if such persistent faith would be found when the Son of Man returns.

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.

Luke 18:1

• Persistence in Prayer: This parable highlights the importance of persistent, continuous prayer. It teaches that believers should always pray and not lose heart, emphasizing perseverance in faith and trust in God.
• Justice from God: The widow's plea for justice in the parable symbolizes the believer's reliance on God for justice. It assures that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, especially those who feel powerless and marginalized.
• Contrast Between God and Unjust Judge: The unjust judge in the parable, who eventually grants justice due to persistence, is contrasted with God, who is just and compassionate. This contrast serves to magnify God's readiness to respond to His people’s needs.
• Faith and Patient Waiting: The narrative encourages faith and patience while waiting for God’s answers. It suggests that even when justice seems delayed, faith should not waver, as God’s timing is perfect.
• Advocacy for the Oppressed: The widow's situation points to God's concern for the oppressed and His desire for His people to advocate for justice. It resonates with the biblical theme of God's special care for the vulnerable.
• Assurance of God’s Final Justice: The passage assures that God will bring about justice for His chosen ones. This promise of divine intervention offers hope, particularly in the face of injustice and suffering.
• Question of Persistent Faith: The concluding question of Jesus, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" challenges believers to examine the depth and persistence of their faith in God’s promises.

In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 18:1-8, we are presented with the Parable of the Dishonest Judge, a narrative rich in meaning and practical applications for our spiritual lives. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the power of persistent prayer and the nature of God's justice. Unlike the dishonest judge, who eventually gives in to the widow's plea simply to avoid further annoyance, God is depicted as loving, just, and responsive to our needs. This contrast highlights a profound truth: if even a corrupt human judge can be moved to act, how much more will our loving Father in heaven respond to the cries of His people?

This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of prayer in our lives. It is a common human experience to feel disheartened when our prayers seem unanswered, leading us to question their efficacy or even the presence of God in our lives. However, Jesus teaches us through this parable that persistence in prayer is key. It is not about changing God's mind, but rather about deepening our trust and understanding of His will. Prayer is a journey, not just a request, and it molds us into individuals more attuned to God's will and timing.

Moreover, the parable addresses a crucial aspect of faith - the belief in a God who listens and cares. In a world where injustices and sufferings are rampant, it's easy to feel forgotten by God. Yet, Jesus assures us that God is infinitely more just and compassionate than the unjust judge. This assurance should embolden our faith, especially when faced with challenges and delays. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God hears us and, in His perfect timing, will respond.

Finally, this Gospel passage for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time challenges us to be like the persistent widow in our spiritual lives. Her determination and unwavering faith in seeking justice from the judge serve as a model for us. We are encouraged to approach God with the same persistence, faith, and trust, believing that He is always listening. This persistence in prayer is not a test of endurance but a testament to our faith in a God who loves and cares. Let us hold onto this message of hope and trust, remembering that our loving Father in heaven indeed hears and responds to our prayers.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, I know you hear me. Grant me the grace to trust in you and patiently wait for your answer. Amen.

Word on Fire: Persistence in Prayer

Bishop Robert Barron, in his reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, emphasizes the biblical command for persistent prayer. He draws on examples such as Abraham's prayers for Sodom and the persistent widow, aligning with Jesus' teachings to continually ask, seek, and knock. Barron points out that often prayers go unanswered because people give up too easily. Citing St. Augustine, he suggests that God delays responses to expand our hearts, preparing us to fully appreciate His gifts. The act of persistent asking, he asserts, is spiritually significant, urging us never to give up, as persistence in prayer fosters deep spiritual growth.

USCCB Reflection: Unwavering Faith

In the USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, the parable of the persistent widow is explored, emphasizing the importance of unceasing prayer and resilience against despair. The widow’s unwavering quest for justice despite constant rejection is highlighted as a model for maintaining faith and strength in the face of life's challenges and injustices. The reflection encourages believers to guard their hearts from weariness, emphasizing prayer as a vital tool for deepening one's relationship with God. It underlines the need for persistence, patience, and trust in God’s plan, urging believers to keep their hearts uplifted in prayer, embody hope, and remain steadfast in faith amidst life's trials.

Prayer for Beginners

This resource, aimed at guiding novices in the journey of prayer, mirrors the persistent widow’s approach in the Gospel for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time. Just as the widow in Luke's parable shows unwavering persistence in seeking justice, Peter Kreeft emphasizes the importance of continual prayer and trust in God, even for those just starting their spiritual journey. Both the parable and Kreeft's insights teach us that persistence in prayer isn’t about skill or experience but about faith and trust in God’s timing and will, reminding us that prayer is an accessible and essential practice for all, regardless of where they are in their spiritual life.

What date is Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Saturday November 16, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Saturday November 15, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9:
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 105:
Gospel - Luke 18:1-8:

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Saturday November 16, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) -
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 112:
Gospel - Luke 18:1-8:

What is the key message of the gospel for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The key message of Luke 18:1-8 is the importance of persistent prayer and faith. Through the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus teaches that consistent and unwavering prayer is effective, contrasting the reluctant justice of an indifferent judge with the swift justice of God for His faithful ones.

What is the significance of Jesus questioning if He will find faith upon His return in the gospel for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

This question in Luke 18:1-8 highlights the importance of maintaining faith and persistent prayer throughout our lives. It challenges believers to consider whether their faith will endure trials and remain constant until the end of times.

What is the main theme of the first reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main theme in the reading from Wisdom is God's powerful intervention on behalf of His people. It describes how God's word, likened to a warrior, brought judgment and transformed nature to provide a miraculous path for the deliverance of His children.

How does Psalm 105 relate to the first reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Psalm 105 continues the theme of God's deliverance and mighty deeds. It specifically mentions the striking down of the firstborn in Egypt, which ties back to the miraculous events described in the Book of Wisdom, celebrating God’s faithfulness and power in leading His people to freedom.

How do the first reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 and the gospel connect?

Both readings emphasize God’s response to the cries of His people. The first reading shows God actively intervening in history to save His people, while the Gospel illustrates how persistent prayer influences God’s timely intervention in the lives of His faithful.

How can we apply the lessons from these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in daily life?

These readings encourage us to trust in God’s providence and to be persistent in our prayers, trusting that God hears and acts in our best interest. They remind us to remain faithful, especially in difficult times, and to recognize God’s ongoing work in our lives.

Are there any specific prayers or practices recommended in light of these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Reflective prayer, meditation on God’s past deeds, and consistent, faith-filled prayer practices, such as the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, are recommended. These can help internalize the message of trusting in God’s justice and maintaining persistent faith.

What is the central message of the first reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The central message of 3 John 5-8 is the importance of showing hospitality and support to fellow believers, especially to those who are strangers or on a journey. It emphasizes that by doing so, one becomes a co-worker in the truth, participating actively in the work of God.

How does Psalm 112 connect with the first reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Psalm 112 highlights the blessings and virtues of a person who reveres God and follows His commands. This resonates with the first reading's theme of faithful service, as such service is an expression of revering God and a manifestation of living out His commands.

How do all these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 combine to deliver a cohesive message?

Together, these readings convey a message about living a life of faith and service. The first reading and Psalm encourage faithful service and godly living, while the Gospel reinforces the need for persistent prayer and faith. The cohesive message is that our actions and prayers, rooted in faith, are integral to our spiritual journey.

What practical advice can be drawn from these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 for daily life?

The readings advise believers to be steadfast in their faith, shown through persistent prayer and active support of others, especially those in the Christian community. They encourage living a life that reflects God’s commands and trusting in His timely response to our needs and prayers.

Is there a particular prayer or practice that aligns with the messages from these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Practices such as offering hospitality, engaging in community service, and being involved in church ministries align with the message of the first reading. Additionally, regular prayer practices like contemplative prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, or meditative reading of Scriptures complement the Gospel's emphasis on persistence in prayer.