Do you put in the work or do you just sit by expecting others to take care of things? How can you do more to contribute today?

When are the times you are most idle? Are these times of good and needed leisure or selfish laziness?

How can you bring this attitude of worthy work to all aspects of your life, especially spiritually?

"Here I am Lord."

"Help me to do Your Will."

​"Jesus, I trust in You."

Do something. Do something to change your life today. Go back to school, learn a new skill, finally sign up for the gym, etc., it doesn't matter what, just do something that is good for you. And whenever you find yourself idle, pray.

Can you remember a time where you had a long wait to get something you were passionate about having? Our first memories might dance over a birthday or Christmas gift, and the delight of expectant waiting and receiving. Upon deeper reflection, we might discover other moments of intense waiting: perhaps waiting for the results from a doctor, being involved in an actual court case, waiting to hear about a friend’s safety, for a college acceptance, or perhaps the waiting for relief from a painful wound or situation.

Whatever the thing you were waiting upon, you can remember that feeling of anticipation, longing, desiring an outcome, yet not being in control of making that outcome happen. There is a powerlessness that pervades this waiting, as well as an anxiety, a hopefulness, and an anticipation.

In today’s gospel reading, we hear a story just like this; a woman’s long wait is over when the judge is moved by her persistence. Jesus tells us that this judge has no conscience, fearing neither human nor God, and thus is only motivated by self-interest. The woman finally wins the judge over through consistency and perseverance in her plea.

Imagine, for a minute, how persistent this woman would have had to be to get this corrupt judge to take notice and then to act. What would cause her to be this persistent? What was at stake in her case that would cause her to – probably – make a public show of her persistence? The gospel never says, but perhaps in your payer, reflect on possible reasons. The gospel affirms her radical and public persistence by the description of the judge who was not motivated by any sense of goodness, thus this woman must have had a really strong reason – perhaps life altering – to keep pleading for justice.

Jesus invites us to ask ourselves: when have we prayed with this kind of reckless abandon and persistence before God? Have we ever wanted something so bad from our prayer that we became like this woman? When the wait is long for something we desire, we may be tempted to slack off in our desire or maybe even give up. If we are honest with ourselves, this can happen often in our prayer with God. We begin in prayer with hope and confidence in God, but when God seems to be absent, not listening, or the answer we want is not coming quick enough, we weaken our resolve to keep praying, and maybe even weaken our belief that God is listening. This is human, but the Gospel today challenges us to resist these feelings and pray like our life depended on it – because it does!

Prayer as a conversation with God is anything but boring; it is life-giving and life-altering, but on God’s time, not on ours. What is asked of us is boldness and perseverance. Pray today on how God is inviting you to strengthen your boldness and persistence with Him in your prayer.

What do you think the woman in the gospel was thinking about as she continued to go to the judge and ask for help? Use your imagination to place yourself in this story and learn from the emotions she may have been feeling.

What are some situations in your life where you know you should turn to God but you might be struggling because things aren't going as planned? 

In what ways is God calling you to boldness and persistence in your prayer?

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"Come, Holy Spirit."

"Help me to be persistent."

Do something today that maybe you've been putting off because it's difficult. It might just be cleaning a part of your room/house that has gotten out of control, or calling a friend you haven't talked to in way too long and you have to talk to about something difficult, or maybe going for a run when you'd really rather watch Disney+ all day. Whatever it is, do something that requires some boldness and persistence in practical things in your life, helping remind you of the boldness and persistence we're praying about here. 

Today’s first reading shares a basic and beautiful message: God can be seen through the beauty of His creation and He is far more excellent than even the most beautiful and mighty things on earth. 

Science is a great gift that studies the natural world, God’s creation. The issue is that when we focus on the created and things rather than the Creator, we miss out on the glory of God. That’s when people get foolish, like the first reading states. It’s like analyzing a painting and marveling at the color, technique, medium, subject, overall composition, etc. and not giving credit to the artist, not considering the one who composed the beauty of what is being studied. It’s great to look at the world around us and see how intricate and wonderful things are made, to marvel at mountains and sunsets, to discover how living things function, to seek out the mysteries of the ocean or space, and so on. However, we cannot consider these created things as greater than God. The painting is not greater than the artist, but the art can reveal the greatness of the artist.

King Solomon, the author of today’s reading, makes clear to “let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them. For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen.” Wherever you go, marvel at the one who made all the great things around us. Share with others who study God’s works but consider the creation better than the Creator, or maybe disregard the Creator all together, the greatness of God and His love.

The God who made all the stars, planets, and galaxies in the sky and every grain of sand on every beach on earth loves you. He knows you and wants you to know Him. He offers you love,  joy, and rest for your soul. So seek your loving Creator, the God who is so infinitely powerful and  loves you so much that He died to wash away all the things that get in the way of your relationship with Him. Grow in wisdom and seek God in the beauty of His creation and let it bring you into a deeper knowledge of and relationship with Him. 

How have you encountered God through His creation? How has the beauty of created things helped you grow closer to Him?

Where do you struggle to see God around you because of created things around you?

​Will you seek to know God through beauty and creation? How can you get to know Him more through the things He has made?

"You are excellent."

"Open my heart to you."

​"You are here."

Today, pay attention to the beauty around you. Note the things that stand out to you and, when you do, say a prayer to God. Let the creation bring you closer to the Creator, see that He is with you and here for you. 

Today's Psalm reminds me of something I heard on "The Gathering Place" Podcast a few weeks ago. The Word of the Lord endures forever. The truths that are spoken in the Scriptures are for us because they endure throughout time. God's love is eternal, it's neverending, it's timeless. 

It's not that the Lord has said all of the things He's ever going to say, but His word is the truth and it's definitive. 

The hosts of the podcast were talking about how the Lord doesn't use a lot of words, He's the strong, silent type if you will!

I'm always asking for confirmation, for more information, for more words, for Him to just say that again. I know you told the apostles that they shouldn't worry about the things of tomorrow because you will take care of everything we need - but can you just tell me that again very specific to me again here and now?

But the Lord refers me back to this passage in the Psalm. His word endures forever. His love is everlasting. His book stands the test of time. This all applies to you right now, today. 

We're always searching for our signs, a word that is directed individually to us, but the Lord's word endures forever. The promises that He said to His people two thousand years ago apply to us today. His promise is living and effective, it is true, it is for us, today. His word endures forever and ever

What kind of response do you ask of God in your prayers? How often do you allow God to speak to your heart through His words in the Scriptures?

How does knowing that God's love endures forever affect how you pray and see your relationship with Him?

How will you allow the words of today's Psalm to change you and your heart?

"Open my heart."

"Your love endures forever."

"Help my soul praise you."

Let God speak to you through His Scriptures. Trust that His word endures forever and rest in knowing God's words of love still apply to you today.