2025-10-19 8:30 am Celebration of the Holy Mass for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Welcome to our celebration of the Holy Mass for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our Gospel Reading today (Luke 18:1-8), reflects on the necessity of persistent prayer, using the parable of a widow who relentlessly petitions an unjust judge to highlight how believers should consistently and humbly pray to God, who is not unjust and will answer. The passage urges believers to "always pray and not lose heart," as persistence demonstrates faith, even when prayers seem unanswered. This is not about nagging God, but about living in constant communication and dependence, showing a steadfast trust in His character and timing. Key themes in the reflection Perseverance in prayer: The central theme is the call to pray without ceasing, or "not lose heart," using the persistent widow as the example. Contrast between God and the unjust judge: Jesus uses the judge's indifference to show the contrast with God, who is just and willing to answer the prayers of his chosen people. Humility and dependence: The parable encourages humility in prayer, showing that it is a practice of leaning on God rather than a strategy for getting what one wants. Faith as the driving force: The widow's persistence is an act of faith, and Jesus' question at the end—“when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”—underscores that persistence in prayer is a profound expression of faith. Action and justice: The parable can also be seen as an encouragement to cry out for justice, especially for the vulnerable, and to persist even when immediate answers are not seen. Transformation through prayer: The act of persistent prayer is not just about what we ask for, but about the way it reshapes us, deepens our relationship with Jesus, and makes us more aware of His presence in our lives. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 121: "Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth".