To read the texts click on the texts: Wis 18:14-16;19:6-9; Lk 18:1-8
This is a parable found only in the Gospel of Luke. While some
focus on the judge and term it as the Parable of the Unjust Judge, others focus
on the widow and so call it the Parable of the Persistent Widow.
Luke
introduces this parable as a parable on prayer. The judge is described as
a man “who neither feared God nor had any respect for people” (18:2). It is
difficult to imagine how such a man can be worthy of being a judge. The widow
is introduced as someone who is going repeatedly to the judge for justice. The
text does not state the nature of her complaint, nor does it tell us why the
judge refused to listen to her for a while (18:3-4). The judge finally relents
and decides to grant her justice, because the woman is constantly bothering her
and because he does not want to be worn out by her constant petitions.
If one focuses on the judge, then the point of the parable is
that if the judge who was unjust could grant the woman justice, then God who is
just and judge over all will surely heed the cries of those who call on him.
If on the other hand the focus is on the widow, then the parable
calls for persistence in asking and not giving up or giving in.
The final verse of this section ends with a question from the
Lucan Jesus about whether he will find faith on earth when he comes. Since Luke
introduces the parable as one, which speaks about persistence and constant
asking, he may have felt the need to end with the question of faith.
Prayer can and does “change” the mind of God.
Here's a trick I use that works most of the time. I thank God as if He has already given me what I want. He is so embarrassed by the fact that he hasn't, that He quickly does so.
ReplyDeleteSweet! I like the idea of God getting embarrassed over lapses in His paternal duties. I’m not sure I’ll adopt your method, Anonymous, but it’s a fun visual to have. :-)
DeleteKate
In Mr 11:22-25, Jesus asks us to believe BEFORE we receive something that we WILL receive it and he promises that it will be ours. This is one of the Marcan definitions of faith.
ReplyDeleteIn Mr 11:22-25, Jesus asks us to believe BEFORE we receive something that we WILL receive it and he promises that it will be ours. This is one of the Marcan definitions of faith.
ReplyDelete