Nov 15 – Memorial for St. Albert the Great, bishop, religious, doctor
St. Albertus (1206-1280) was the son of a military nobleman. A Dominican priest, he taught theology at Colgone and Paris and was the teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was an influential teacher, preacher, and administrator, and became the Bishop of Regensburg. He introduced Greek and Arabic science and philosophy to medieval Europe.
He is known for his wide interest in what became later known as the natural sciences – botany, biology, etc. He wrote and illustrated guides to his observations, and was considered on par with Aristotle as an authority on these matters. He was a theological writer, and was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.
“It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for “God is Charity” (1 John 4:8)” – St. Albert the Great
Wis 18:14-16,19:6-9
Lk 18:1-8
“… since she keeps pestering me…”
From early on, my life has been a journey marked by obstacles and uncertainties. Born to two 21-year-olds, outside of marriage, and facing my parents’ divorce by the age of five, the odds seemed stacked against me from the very beginning. I was lovingly raised by my grandaunt and, without realising it then, navigated much of my childhood and youth while struggling with ADHD. Looking back, I see how each achievement, no matter how small, felt like a significant victory. Each marginal gain was a reminder that, despite how things started, I could move forward by sheer determination and grit.
The idea of being consistently persistent is not strange to me.
When I read today’s passage from Luke 18, however, I find myself unsettled. The parable of the persistent widow conjures the image of someone tirelessly, almost relentlessly, pressing her case with a judge who cares little for justice. In some ways, it looks like a debt collector badgering a debtor, day after day, until the payment is finally made. Is this what prayer and faith are meant to look like? Where is the warmth and depth of a real relationship? Is God simply a distant figure who gives in if we are persistent enough?
My concern is that if we aren’t careful, our relationship with God can quietly shift into a transactional one. We become the askers, God the askee. The risk is that our prayers risk becoming little more than repeated requests, with the relationship reduced to a series of desperate petitions. And what happens if what we ask for does not align with God’s greater wisdom or plan? Sometimes the answer is simply ‘No’ or ‘Not Yet,’ and that can challenge our faith all the more.
As I reflect on what it means to be truly persistent in faith, I realise God is not just seeking people who outlast Him in stubbornness. God desires connection, trust, and a living relationship with each of us. Instead of viewing God as an ATM, dispensing blessings if only we ask enough times, let us turn toward Him as a loving Father and Friend. May our prayers be persistent not only in asking, but in drawing close, listening, and trusting Him for whatever the answer may be. Let us seek to know His heart, not just His hand, and build a genuine relationship that carries us through every chapter of our lives.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Paul Wee)
Prayer: Lord, help me to seek You, not only for answers to my petitions, but for an honest and deep relationship with You. Teach me to trust Your wisdom, even when Your answers differ from my desires, and let my faith grow closer to Your heart each day.
Thanksgiving: Gracious God, thank You for guiding me through every challenge and blessing, turning each hardship into a step toward You. I am grateful for Your faithful presence, and for the gift of a relationship with You that sustains me always.
OXYGEN 
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