17 Nov
Sat
32nd Week in Ordinary Time
St Elizabeth of Hungary
Wis. 18:14-16
19:6-9
Ps. 104:2-3,36-37, 42-43
Lk. 18:1-8
(Ps Wk IV)
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"Remember the wonders the Lord has done" (Ps. 104:5). The Responsorial Psalm for today is taken from Psalm 104/105) which is sub-titled "The Wonderful History of Israel". It traces the wonders God has performed through the ages to help His people whenever they needed Him.

The passages from the last part of the Book of Wisdom chosen for today's liturgy similarly deal specifically with the protective role of God in the History of Israel. From chapter 11 onwards, we are given a re-interpretation of Israel's past as it is recounted in Exodus. His people called on Him continually - "Upon thee they called ¡K" (Wis. 11:4) - and He rewarded them with His protection and His wonders. He sent His destroying angels like stern warriors to do His word. In the incident of the Red Sea, He even fashioned a new creation to save the Israelites.

Having understood all this, we now see in the Gospel reading why we should persevere in prayer like the widow, and why we need to have faith in God's promises. We are to believe in the coming of God's kingdom as well as to recognize it already present in Christ. Given so many illustrations of God's keeping of His promises to His people on their journey out of bondage, how can we doubt?



Lord, let us seek Your justice with the confidence of the ages. Your works are wonderful, O Lord.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That those dedicated to medical research and all those engaged in legislative activity may always have a deep respect for human life, from its beginning to its natural conclusion.
Elaboration

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