Commentary on the Gospel – November 15, 2025

November 15, 2025

Today’s Gospel text leads us into the realm of faith—an intimate and essential reality, made up of both light and darkness. The comparison Jesus offers between the unjust judge and God, the Father of all and the very definition of justice, is perfect for prayer and reflection. If that judge sleeps peacefully and only decides to give justice to the widow so she’ll stop bothering him and he can protect his public image, then how much more will God—who is Father and Mother, who is love, compassion, and mercy—listen without delay to those who cry out for justice? It couldn’t be otherwise. It shouldn’t be otherwise.

And yet reality stands stubbornly before our eyes day after day. The truth is that the poor continue waiting for justice—year after year, generation after generation. Those who have drawn the worst lot in this world remain buried in misery, while others live in a completely different universe of wealth and luxury. And far too often, human justice sides with the rich over the poor and the marginalized, who, having nothing, cannot even afford a lawyer. That is the reality.

This is why I say today’s text brings us face to face with faith—our faith, the personal faith of each one of us. It invites us to ask whether we truly believe in the presence of a God who is a Father of love, who is compassion and mercy, who does not allow any of His sons or daughters to be lost or destroyed, who is a source of hope and life. Or whether we let ourselves fall into discouragement because God’s justice seems slow to arrive—at least to our eyes. And so we try to live by faith while carrying a heart full of disappointment.

To believe is to hold the banner of faith firmly in our hearts. To believe is to keep placing our trust in Him. To believe is to keep our hope lifted high. To believe is not to give in to the pessimism of those who think everything is already lost. To believe is to keep working for the Kingdom, for fraternity, and for justice. To believe is to remain on the side of the poor, because they are God’s beloved ones—despite everything, and in spite of all obstacles.

Fernando Torres, cmf