Catholic Identity
Jake Wilkinson, Leader of Religious Education & Catholic Identity
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reminder to families of students completing the sacrament of Reconciliation that the second session will be this Wednesday at 6:30pm at St Kilian's Church.
Second Reading: Luke 18:1–8
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Summary
In this parable, Jesus encourages us to never give up on prayer and to trust that God listens, even when answers seem delayed. The widow’s persistence shows the power of faith that doesn’t quit. In today’s world, it’s easy to lose hope when things don’t go our way — when we face unfairness, stress, or unanswered prayers. Jesus reminds us that God is not like the unjust judge; He is loving and attentive. Our role is to keep believing, keep praying, and keep doing good, knowing that God is working for justice and peace in His time.
Reflection Questions
- When have I felt like giving up on something I’ve been praying or hoping for?
- How can I show persistence and faith in my daily life, even when things feel unfair or uncertain?
Prayer
We keep the students who are making their sacrament of Reconciliation in our prayers. We also keep in our prayers the Girton Grammar community who are grieving one of their students who was tragically killed a fortnight ago. May God hold them close.
Loving God,
Thank You for always hearing my prayers, even when I can’t see the answers yet.
Give me the strength to keep trusting, the patience to keep praying, and the faith to believe that You are working for good in all things.
Amen.
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