Persevere in Faith

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

19 October 2025

 

First Reading: Exodus 17:8-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Last Thursday, October 16, I celebrated my first anniversary as a government employee. To mark the occasion, I attended Mass at San Agustin Church and ate my favorite food for dinner.

It has been a year since God granted one of my heart’s deepest desires. But the journey to get here was not easy. Without any influential connections, relying solely on God’s grace, I courageously applied to various national government agencies. Every week, I would check the Civil Service Commission website for new job postings. I took several exams, went through multiple interviews, holding onto hope each time. My private prayers and every mass attendance were dedicated to the specific intention of finally landing to a government job.

There was one particular job that I was scheduled for a final interview, only to have it canceled on the same day. The job posting was about to expire within that week, and the Executive Director decided it would be better to restart the whole process, to avoid any potential technical issues with the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment guidelines. It was heartbreaking to be so close and yet, have everything I worked for nine months suddenly went to waste, due to a procedural issue that was not my fault.

At that point, I was exhausted, so tired of applying and even of praying. Despite the physical, emotional, and spiritual drains, I would still send applications for positions I felt qualified for, showed up and gave my best during examinations and interviews, held myself together when rejected, stayed positive when redirected, prayed daily, attended mass as I used to, clinging onto Jesus. Not a single day went by without me whispering my prayer intention, trusting that one day, the Lord would answer. And yes, after the long wait, 1 year, 9 months, and 18 days to be exact, God finally blessed my heart’s desire, in His perfect timing. It was so perfect that the good news came to me on the feast day of my favorite saint. And here I am now, I just celebrated my first anniversary as a government employee, thanks to the Lord's goodness.

Today's Gospel narrates the parable on how a dishonest judge finally gave in to the persistent request of the widow to deliver a just decision for her adversary. Her perseverance led to her deliverance. How much more can our merciful Lord do to a persevering person? As Jesus said, "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."

Sometimes the answer to our prayers takes time, rejection and redirection meet us on the way. But, may we acknowledge that this is where God teaches us, the perseverance in prayer, to never grow weary, to always trust God's will and timing.

As we walk our own paths, traverses our respective journeys, pursues different goals, let us continue to trust God and persevere in everything we do. In His perfect time, He will bless us abundantly.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for all the blessings. When life gets rough, please help us to persevere and do not lose track of You. Amen.

God's Inclusive Salvation

   

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 August 2023

 

First Reading: Is 56:1, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Rom 11:13-15, 29-32

Gospel: Mt 15:21-28

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

 

One thing I observed when I entered the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol in Tagaytay is that there is no front gate to protect the compound from the thief or burglar. I asked this thing to my formator and he told me that Tahanan is a home for all that everyone is welcome to enter and pray, to ask for food, and to ask for shelter. This goes back to a story when a person was welcomed during Christmas Eve. The person ate with the priest and personnel of Tahanan. To their surprise, he just got out of the prison and was about to go back to the province.

In my years of stay in Tahanan, I attested to the reality of the story. Whenever a person enters the Tahanan and asks for food, we give them what we have. Sometimes we also give them some clothes and most especially, we welcome with open hearts those who want to pray. Tahanan is not just a house of seminary formation but an inclusive home for all.

The readings for today speaks of God’s inclusive salvation. In the Gospel of Matthew, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, wanting him to cure her sick daughter. This pericope is an opening that salvation is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. That is, it is not exclusive for the chosen people but extends to all. This healing of a Gentile woman’s daughter because of her great faith is another sign of an inclusive love of God for our salvation. St. Paul reminds us that God's gifts and call are irrevocable, and His mercy extends to all people, both Jews and Gentiles.

In a world that can sometimes be divided by differences, let us remember that God's love transcends all boundaries. Let us strive to cultivate a faith that is unwavering, a humility that is genuine, and a love that is inclusive. May we, like the Canaanite woman, approach Jesus with boldness and trust, knowing that His mercy is available to all who believe.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts and minds to be like the Canaanite woman who showed her great faith in You to heal her child. Grant that our faith may also become bigger like hers and may we be a true missionary disciple of Yours. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

P.R.A.Y. (Pray, Rest, And Yield )

   

  Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

16 October 2022 

 

First Reading: Ex 17:8-13

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Tm 3:14-4:2

Gospel: Lk 18:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo-Manio

 

There may be times where we feel tired in praying especially when our intentions are not happening. There may be times where we doubt ourselves if we are actually asking God for something with the purest intentions. When we fall short of God's commandments, we sometimes feel unworthy of God's grace and mercy. Nevertheless, the Gospel this Sunday reminds us what real prayer is and how God manifests in our lives.

Praying is communication. It is a two-way process. Just like in any relationship we have, we get tired when we do all the talking. We failed to understand because we resisted listening attentively. It is easier for us to assume rarher than ask. Jesus is asking us to be patient, "pray always and do not lose heart". For a long time, the judge was unwilling, but eventually he gave in to the persistent widow. Praying develops hopes and creates joy in waiting. That resting time may enable us to ponder what it is that we truly desire or make us appreciate and value our answered prayer even more when it comes.

The widow never gave up until the judge responded to her. Our prayers are heard and some of our petitions will be answered in the way that is best for us. It may not exactly be how we wanted it but always in the most loving way that fits our needs. In a special way, I am writing this reflection with the thought of all my acquaintances and friends suffering and battling with mental health issues, those with anxieties, depression, and living in the dark pit of emptiness. They are like the present day widow in Jesus' time. Persistently, they would want to get the ill-feeling so hard, often misunderstood, judgments placed on their shoulders, and treated unkindly. The widow's persistence paved the way for justice to happen. Years back, I had post-traumatic stress disorder and when it is triggered, the trauma creeps in and consumes the best for me. My faith and fear of the Lord keeps me alive. Believe me, it is never easy yet it brings more compassion and empathy in me to treat each person nicely, to have allowances for mistakes, and to cling on to God through prayers. Faith in God may not always be the answer to people with mental health issues yet the courage to ask fo help, believe it or not, is always the first step to recovery. Like the persistent widow, may we always believe that there is help available, express your need to someone you trust, and remain faithful for no matter how difficult it may seem, there is always a loving God who keeps His promises and remains faithful to us.

Prayer

Dear Lord, teach us  to trust in You and not lose hope when we call on You in times of need and sorrow. Keep us faithful in prayer, Oh Lord, for Your mercy and generosity are always enough. Give us patience to wait as You unfold Your best plans to each one of us. Amen.