Judith 4: Prayer, Penance, and Action
Monday, September 22, 2025
The story of Judith is one of my favorites and it seems that we visit it about once a year. Perhaps I like it so much because a woman takes matters into her own hands and is able to not only defeat a nation but to also bring Judah to atonement. And she does this through prayer, penance, and action. You may want to fast forward through these chapters to discover Holofernes’ fate at the hands this Jewish widow and her handmaiden; or you may want to rest in this part of the story before you move on. In any case, the story is a wonderful one.
The ritual performed by the inhabitants of Jerusalem is a rite of entreaty. The recommended precautions in the mountain passes were typical of a people making a defensive stance. The generals and priests prepare for war; the woman prepares to listen to God’s instructions.
In my mother’s Douay version, the high priest reminds the people that it was through holy prayer that Moses overcame Amalek – a man who trusted in his own power and army, his shields, chariots, horsemen, and swords. So that all of the people might hear, he intones: So shall all the enemies of Israel be, if you persevere in this work which you have begun. The people follow the priest’s advice. And they all begged of God with all their heart, that he would visit his people Israel.
God visits us daily and constantly – whether we realize it or not.
God hears our cries of joy and distress – whether we feel it or not.
God answers prayers and brings miracles – whether we see it or not.
Let Judith be an example of faithful and faith-filled perseverance.
Let Judith remind us that prayer and penance will open clear communication with God so that our actions will be – like Judith’s – an answer to God’s call.
A Favorite from December 2, 2010.
Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Judith
The Noontimes 