TEXTY BREAD (Todays Gospel) Nov. 15, 2014 St. Albert the Great Luke 18:1-8 The Parable of the Persistent Widow ...There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come and say, Render a just decision for me against my adversary. For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, While it is true that I neither feared God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me. The Lord said, Pay attention to the dishonest judge says.Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen one who call to him day and night? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will be find faith on earth? AMEN! ...This is to encourage the believers that as they wait, they should pray always without becoming weary (v 1). Paul, too, reminds the Christians to pray without ceasing (1 Thes 5:17). This goes beyond the Jewish tradition which prescribes praying thrice a day lest God be wearied. ...The parable presents two characters, one in authority (the judge), the other powerless (the widow). The judge is a contradiction of who he should be, protector of the poor, the defenseless, and the oppressed. Perhaps he is waiting for a bribe, but a poor woman has only her persistence... and it is enough to wear him out. ...This unscrupulous judge in no way stands for GOD. Jesus is telling his disciples that if good can be gained from an unscrupulous person through persistence, it is unthinkable that GOD will not listen to our pleas. ...The Parable teaches us three lessons. First, GOD will hear and answer the cries of his people against injustice and oppression. Second, we must persist in prayer and petition for the realization of the reign of GOD in our midst. Third, if we work constantly for justice, we will someday reap the fruit of our effort... REFLECTION: ...What is our experience of GOD? Does GOD answer our prayers? GOD does not dilly-dally in answering our prayers. But do we know what to ask for? or Do we know how to ask for? Do we leave it to GOD to answer our prayers as he sees fit, knowing that he knows what is truly beneficial for us? PRAYER: ...Lord, give us faith to believe your promises and give us perseverance in prayer and hope to withstand trials and adversities. Help to trust in your unfailing love and to find joy and contentment in you alone...AMEN.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 03:58:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015