Faith increases in those who are truly humble and are willing to bear their "hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God." True faith, even if as small as a mustard seed, makes miracles happen, and more: will lead us to eternal life.
Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4
Psalm:R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
2nd Reading:2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Gospel:1 Pet 1:25
St Paul warns, "If we disown him, then he will disown us." A deep spirit of thanksgiving is what keep us strong in the faith, so that we are never tempted to deny the one who saved us.
2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm:R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
2nd Reading:2 Timothy 2:8-13
Gospel:Luke 17:11-19
The Lord loves in us a kind of persistence that characterises the widow who "keeps pestering" the judge until he delivered a just decision. Such persistence testifies to a promise that God has planted in us. "Keep to what you have been taught and know to be true."
Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm:R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
2nd Reading:2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
Gospel:Luke 18:1-8
The tax collector, completely aware of the enormity of his sins, and therefore of his unworthiness, beats his breast and prays, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." He remains certain that the Lord will rescue him. We must remember, "the man who humbles himself will be exalted."
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-19
Psalm:R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
2nd Reading:2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Gospel:Luke 18:9-14