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?’ Luke 18:1-8
We humans get overwhelmed and ache to give up when life overwhelms us. Although Jesus had harsh words for the religious leaders who take advantage of the poor and the lowly, he always encourages those who are struggling and at their wit's end. He tells the story of a lazy and corrupt judge who is pestered endlessly by a widow seeking justice. He didn't want to help her but he did to silence her. Our God, the author of all life and the source of love, is more than a corrupt and lazy judge. The Lord will not hold back in helping those who cry out. We who are beaten down, exhausted and afraid are invited today to persist in prayer, persist in doing good and caring for the hurting among us.
Loving Creator, who showers us with love
whose justice rolls down like spring rains
whose heart is on fire for the poor and week
you do not delay when we are suffering.
Depression and fears overwhelm us here
we often find little justice and compassion
we lash out believing we have been abandoned
when you are drawing close and answering us.
Help us. Lord, to persist in prayer and service
let us never give up on loving and kindness
give us your strength to rise up every morning
trusting you to bring us more love and healing here. Amen.
