Our scripture this week is Luke 18:1-8.
And he told them a parable to show that they must always pray and not be discouraged, saying, “There was a certain judge in a certain town who did not fear God and did not respect people. And there was a widow in that town, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary!’ And he was not willing for a time, but after these things he said to himself, ‘Even if I do not fear God or respect people, yet because this widow is causing trouble for me, I will grant her justice, so that she does not wear me down in the end by her coming back!’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge is saying! And will not God surely see to it that justice is done to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, and will he delay toward them? I tell you that he will see to it that justice is done for them soon! Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, then will he find faith on earth?”
The main point Jesus makes in this parable is that faith must be a constant in our lives. The illustration of the persistent widow seeking justice from the corrupt judge is intended to show us how we must continue in persistent faith in an often uncaring world. He teaches that we are called to be His loving voice in the face of conflict.
When we encounter resistance, Jesus reminds us that God is always there for us. Therefore, we must always be there as His representatives, reminding each other of His plan for us as well as His justice and mercy. God’s justice is a given, it will come with no help from us and nothing will stand against it. God’s mercy is a given as well, if we repent and continue in faith, God is more than willing to forgive.
Our task is to be like the persistent widow, pressing toward the goal with faith, undeterred by the ways of the world and its opposition to God’s rule. Jesus asks in verse 8 if He will find faith upon His return. Let us answer “yes, Lord!” and be the people He needs to share the Good News.
Loving Lord, we are often slow to believe and act. Energize our faith, make us tireless in our outreach and may we share the gift of Your truth with all the world. Amen.