*REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. JOSEPHAT/ SATURDAY OF THE THIRTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY* *TIME YEAR II* 

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Josephat, bishop and martyr. Born about 1580 in Ukraine. He became a monk, a well noted theologian and preacher. As a bishop, he embarked on a thorough-going pastoral reform, visiting his clergy, seeing that people were instructed and taking interest in liturgy. His reforms aroused hostility, and he was murdered at Vitebsk, Russia, during a pastoral visit in 1623. 

   As we come to the end of the week, the Liturgy presents to us two themes of hospitality and prayer to cap our reflection for the week. 

   The Apostle John in the first reading (3 John 5-8) is full of praise to Gaius for his faith in providing for missionaries and caring for them. "It was entirely for the sake of the NAME that they set out", he said, that is, the name of Jesus Christ. For the sake of this NAME we are called to be hospitable, for in doing so, some have welcomed angels without knowing it (Heb. 13: 2; Gen. 18: 1-15). 

   Jesus Christ in the gospel (Luke 18: 1-8) laid the foundation for attitude towards prayer- faith and persistence. Using the parable of the unjust judge who is so mindless to the plight of the widow, but was forced to act in justice by the persistence of the widom, Jesus Christ wondered, "if the unjust judge could do this because of persistence, what more of God who is just, compassionate and loving. 

   Dear friends, prayer is beyond ordinary conversation; it is a relationship of trust. The Apostle Paul said "whoever calls on the NAME of the Lord will be saved. But how can people call on Him in whom they do not believe?" (Rm. 10: 13-14). Faith is the source of authentic, true prayer! Do we have such unwavering faith that can sustain our trust in the NAME even in the most difficult times of our life? 

   I pray that as we journey in life today, we will be consciously aware of God's presence within us so that we can not only call upon Him but also thank Him for His generosity not minding our unfaithfulness. "The just man will never waver, he will be remembered for ever" (Ps. 112: 6). Have a prayer-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*