PERSISTENCE
PAYS OFF
One of the most consoling and intriguing
statements that St. Augustine made is, "God would rather draw good from
evil than not permit evil in the first place." There are times when we
have undergone suffering and misfortune but were relieved when it didn't turn
out to be the catastrophe we had feared. From time to time something good may
even come out of it. We capture this experience in this bit of wisdom,
"Every cloud has a silver lining."
In the Gospel today, Jesus talks about
persistence and its benefits when we put our trust in God. He illustrates how
our heavenly Father, as our Judge, is much quicker to bring us justice,
blessings, and help when we need them. But we can easily lose heart and forget
to ask Him for His grace and assistance. Jesus told this parable to give fresh
hope and confidence to His disciples. In this present life we can expect trials
and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. His justice triumphs over
all the injustices perpetrated by His creatures and His love is stronger than
death (Cf Song of Songs 8:6).
The Responsorial Psalm brings our
readings together: "Blessed the man who fears the Lord. His generosity
shall endure forever. Light shines through the darkness for the upright"
(Ps 112:1, 4). May we always be gracious and giving of ourselves. Let us
conduct our affairs with justice and peace in our communities.
Persistence Pays Off!