Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday November 13, 2027
Justice and Faith in Action
On Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the readings speak of God’s power and the need for faith that never gives up. They remind us that God’s word brings justice and that He hears the cries of His people. Even when the world seems dark, God’s plan still moves forward.
The first reading from Wisdom shows how God’s word acts like a warrior. Nature itself is shaped to protect His children and to carry out His will. This reminds us that God is always present in history, guiding and saving His people when they call on Him.
Psalm 105 invites us to praise God for His mighty works. He kept His promise to Abraham and led His people with joy. This shows His faithfulness and calls us to remember what He has done.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a widow who never gave up in seeking justice. Her persistence is a lesson for us. God listens to those who pray with steady faith. On Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we are encouraged to trust Him and keep praying without losing hope.
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- First Reading – 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.
- Responsorial Psalm – 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.
- 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.
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. For even numbered years see Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
Luke 18:1
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings remind us of God’s power, protection, and call to persistence in faith. These themes encourage believers to trust, pray, and stay strong, knowing God cares for those who seek Him sincerely.
- God’s Powerful Help: The reading from Wisdom shows God’s power as He rescues His people. This points to God’s constant help and protection for those who trust Him.
- Persistence in Prayer: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the need to pray without giving up. This reminds us that God values perseverance and hears our prayers, even if the answer seems delayed.
- Faithfulness in Waiting: Jesus praises those who stay faithful as they wait for answers. This theme calls us to trust that God will answer at the right time and in the right way.
- Strength in Trials: Both readings reflect God’s support for His people during difficult times. It reminds us that challenges are opportunities to rely more on Him.
- Justice for the Oppressed: The widow in the Gospel story shows how God cares for the lowly and answers cries for justice. This shows God’s love and compassion for those who are suffering.
- Hope in God’s Promise: The first reading reveals how God’s promises to His people give them strength. It encourages believers to hold onto hope, knowing God’s promises are always fulfilled.
On Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, these themes encourage us to place our trust in God’s care. Through patience, prayer, and faith, we grow closer to God and trust in His unfailing love.
Reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, invite us to reflect on God’s power, our call to faithful waiting, and the importance of perseverance. Through the book of Wisdom, we see God’s mighty protection over His people, a reminder of His care. In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to stay faithful in prayer, even when answers are delayed, showing that perseverance brings us closer to God and strengthens our trust. Together, these readings provide hope and guidance for facing life’s challenges with faith.
God’s Power and Protection
In the reading from Wisdom for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we see God protecting His people in a dramatic way. This reminds us of His strength and care for those who trust Him. God’s power isn’t distant or limited. Instead, it actively guards and rescues His people, even when they face difficult situations.
Trusting in God’s power can change how we face our challenges. Just as He defended His people long ago, He will defend us now. This reading calls us to remember that God’s strength is never far from us. When we call on Him, He is ready to give help, support, and protection.
God’s power also encourages us to be brave. Knowing we are not alone allows us to face our struggles with hope. Like the people in Wisdom, we can rely on God’s constant care. In times of worry or hardship, we can remember that God is our protector, leading us forward and never abandoning us.
Faithful in Waiting
In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus praises those who stay faithful as they wait for answers to their prayers. This shows us that God cares deeply about our persistence and that He values our faith, especially when answers aren’t immediate. Jesus encourages us to keep trusting that God’s timing will be perfect, even if it’s different from our own.
Waiting for answers can be hard, and we may be tempted to give up or feel frustrated. However, God wants us to keep seeking Him and believing that He hears us. Staying faithful in waiting builds our trust in God’s goodness and reminds us that He knows what is best for us.
This Gospel teaches that faithfulness in waiting isn’t passive. Instead, it involves active prayer and hope. When we continue in prayer and trust during times of delay, we grow stronger in our faith. Jesus reassures us that God values our efforts to stay close to Him and will reward those who seek Him with steady hearts.
The Call to Persevere
A theme that runs through both the first reading from Wisdom and the Gospel for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, is the call to persevere. In Wisdom, God’s people endure hardships but receive His protection. In the Gospel, Jesus shows us that even when answers are delayed, we should continue to pray and trust in God’s goodness. Perseverance means choosing faith even when we can’t see the end of a challenge.
God doesn’t always remove obstacles right away, but He promises to be with us through them. Both readings show that God is faithful to those who trust Him and seek His help. Perseverance in faith strengthens us and makes us more able to face future struggles. By staying firm, we also become examples to others of God’s love and care.
This call to persevere encourages us not to let go of hope. In times when life seems difficult or prayers seem unanswered, we can remember the examples in these readings. Through perseverance, we grow closer to God, learn to rely on His strength, and discover that He is always faithful to those who do not give up.
Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, teaches us that God is always with us, offering strength, guidance, and love. As we trust in His power, wait patiently for His timing, and persevere in faith, we can grow closer to Him. These reflections encourage us to rely on God in all situations, trusting that His care never fails.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your strength and protection each day. Teach us to be patient in waiting and to persevere in prayer. May we always seek You with steady hearts and find peace in knowing that You are with us. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does reflecting on God’s power help me face my own challenges?
- When have I found it difficult to wait for an answer to my prayers?
- What steps can I take to persevere in faith when I feel discouraged?
- How can these readings encourage me to rely more on God in my daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The Rights of the Chosen One
Sr. MaryAnn Lucy shares the story of a friend whose faith and persistence in prayer guide her work helping those in need. When faced with a problem, this friend sits before the tabernacle again and again until she senses God’s direction. Her trust and patience remind us that God never fails to respond when we seek Him with open hearts and steady faith.
In her message for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Sr. MaryAnn Lucy encourages us to pray like the widow in the Gospel—with persistence and courage. She says prayer takes determination and strength, especially when we face suffering and injustice in the world. Even when answers seem slow, we must not lose hope. God stands with us, hears our cries, and remains faithful. Through prayer, we grow in trust and in love for the God who never abandons His people.
Listening to the Cry of the Persistent Widow
The parable of the persistent widow reminds us to keep praying and not lose heart. But it also invites us to look at the story from another view. Instead of seeing ourselves as the widow, we can ask if we act like the judge. Are we ignoring the cries of those in need—the poor, the lonely, the unhoused, or anyone asking for help again and again?
In his reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Paul Jerzembowski urges us to open our hearts and let God move us to compassion. He shares how a woman begging at a busy intersection makes him reflect on his own response to need. When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith in us? Like the widow’s judge, we too can be changed when we allow God’s love to shape our actions toward others.
Never Lose Heart
Matthew Kelly reflects on Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow who never gives up. Her steady faith teaches us to keep praying and not lose heart. He reminds us that when we stop praying, discouragement often follows. Prayer keeps our hearts strong and connected to God, even when life feels heavy or uncertain.
In his reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Matthew Kelly explains that the Holy Spirit is our great encourager, filling us with courage and hope. He challenges us to be encouragers too, especially when we see others growing weary in doing good. When we pray and lift one another up, we push back against the discouragement that comes from the world. Faith, prayer, and encouragement work together to keep us steady and joyful as we follow God’s call.
The Power of Persistent Prayer
In his reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron highlights Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow to show the importance of constant prayer. He reminds us that relying on our own strength in spiritual battles against darkness and division leads to failure.
When we instead rely on God’s strength and pray persistently, we find victory. God promises to hear and respond to those who call out to Him. This message emphasizes that persistent prayer brings us the courage and power we need for life’s challenges.
Faith, Patience, and Persistent Prayer
In a USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Fr. Michael Ackerman discusses the need for patience and persistence in faith, comparing it to learning an instrument or starting a workout routine. Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow reminds us that faith and prayer take discipline, as we work to align our hearts with God’s will. The first reading from Wisdom highlights God’s care for His people, recalling the Israelites’ journey through the desert.
Fr. Ackerman encourages us to trust that God always seeks to provide for us, guiding us toward His love and salvation.
Resources
The Book of Wisdom: God’s Word in Action
The book of Wisdom often shows how God’s power is greater than human strength. In Wisdom 18:14-16, read on Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, God’s word is pictured as a warrior. This image connects to the theme of divine justice. God steps into history to defend His people and bring judgment on those who oppose Him.
In Wisdom 19:6-9, creation itself changes to protect God’s children. This reflects the book’s theme that all of nature serves the Creator’s plan. Just as the Red Sea opened for Israel, the world obeys God to bring salvation. The passage connects to the wider message that God’s wisdom guides and sustains His people.
Psalm 105: Praise for God’s Deeds
Psalm 105 is a song of thanksgiving that recalls God’s work in Israel’s history. In this psalm, read on Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the focus is on God’s mighty acts in Egypt. The psalmist remembers how God struck down the oppressors and set His people free, showing His faithfulness to the covenant.
The psalm also highlights joy and fulfillment as God leads His people out. This matches the larger theme of Psalm 105, which is about remembering God’s promises and praising Him for keeping them. It invites every generation to trust His word.
The Gospel of Luke: Faith that Perseveres
Luke 18:1-8, read on Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, reflects a key theme in Luke’s Gospel: the need for prayer and trust in God. The story of the widow shows that persistence matters. While the judge is unjust, her repeated requests bring a response. Jesus uses this to teach about God’s willingness to hear His people.
This parable ties into Luke’s wider message about faith and readiness for the coming of the Son of Man. Luke often stresses God’s care for the poor and those without power. Here, Jesus shows that God listens to the cries of His chosen ones and answers with justice.
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Light Through the Door of Justice
This image for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 captures the message of the Gospel, where a widow’s persistence moves even an unwilling judge. The open door with light shining through reminds us that God’s justice is never closed to those who pray with faith.
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Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What does the first reading for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach about God’s power?
Wisdom shows God using His strength to protect and rescue His people. It teaches us that God is always able to help us when we face challenges and that we can trust His power in all things.
How does the first reading help us understand hope?
God has always cared for His people and helped them. This gives us hope because we know that God is constant and will never abandon us.
How does this Gospel for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to pray?
Jesus tells a story that shows the importance of not giving up in prayer. This teaches us that even if answers seem slow, we should keep praying and trust that God is listening.
Why does Jesus focus on the widow’s persistence?
Jesus points to the widow’s persistence to show us how God values faithfulness and dedication. This story encourages us to be steady in our faith and not to lose hope, knowing that God will answer us at the right time.
What lesson about justice can we take from these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Gospel shows that God hears the cries of those who seek justice, like the widow who refuses to give up. This teaches us that we should stand up for what is right and trust that God is a defender of justice.
What does this Gospel tell us about God’s timing?
God’s timing is different from ours, but it is always good. We learn that we should trust that God will act at the right time, especially when we pray persistently.
How do these readings help us when we are struggling?
Both readings remind us that God helps His people in difficult times. This encourages us to lean on God when we face struggles and know that He is close to us.
Why is patience important in these readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that patience is needed when we pray and wait for answers. This tells us that we must trust God’s timing and stay strong, even if answers seem delayed.
How can these readings make us stronger in faith?
These readings for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, remind us of God’s protection and love, which help us grow in trust. By remembering God’s power and faithfulness, we can feel encouraged to deepen our faith and rely on Him in all things.
God Helps Those Who Wait
Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that God is strong, faithful, and always near. The reading from Wisdom shows God protecting His people in hard times. He does not forget those who trust in Him. This gives us hope and courage when we face struggles.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a widow who keeps asking a judge for help. Because she does not give up, the judge finally listens. Jesus uses this story to teach us about prayer. He says we should keep praying and not lose hope, even when answers take time.
These readings speak about trusting God during waiting. We may not always get what we want right away, but God hears us. He answers in His time. Waiting with faith makes us stronger and brings us closer to Him.
Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to trust God, keep praying, and never give up, knowing He is always with us.
Your Turn
Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to think about how we pray and trust. Are we quick to give up, or do we keep turning to God with steady hearts?
Take a moment to reflect on your own prayer life. Is there something you’ve been waiting for? Share your experience in the comments. Let’s remind each other to keep going in faith.