Thoughts for the Day

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Ancient castles are wonderful places to explore as I found when my two lads were young. The thought of ancient battles and warriors with swords and chain mail stimulated their imagination and they would play at tournaments for the next week before inventing another game. However, castles were also places of some danger for two adventurous boys, and there would be a lot of "Don't climb up there it's dangerous!" shouts as they desperately tried to push the boundaries.

Today's parable of the widow and the judge is interesting. He was not a Hebrew for matters of the law would were dealt with by elders, and serious offences were taken before three judges. He seems to be one appointed by Herod or by the Romans, and they were universally seen as being corrupt. Luke says that even though he was corrupt nevertheless he gave in to her demand for justice because she continually harangued him.

Jesus tells this story to remind us that we are to persistently ask God for what we need (not necessarily want). Like a loving parent God may not grant us what we ask, because he knows that some things are bad for us. But we are not puppets on a string, and we can ignore Him as my sons frequently ignored my warnings. However, when we persistently pray we are more likely to find our requests become allied with what God wants rather than what we want. Look back at fervent requests you have made which have gone seemingly unanswered, and notice how your requests change over time!

Loving Father,
help us to pray continually -
for others and for ourselves -
but also help us to align our wishes
with Your wishes.
Make us persistent in our prayer,
not giving up or stopping for a break,
but trusting that Your decision
is going to be the right decision.
Amen.