‘Defend my rights against my adversary!’ For a time he refused, but finally he thought, ‘Even though
I neither fear God nor care about people, this widow bothers me so much, I will see that she gets
justice; then she will stop coming and wearing me out.”
And Jesus said, “Listen to what the evil judge says. Will God not do justice for his chosen ones, who
cry to him day and night, even if he delays in answering them? I tell you, he will speedily do them
justice. But, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Read:
Moses intercedes with raised hands while Joshua fights the enemies. Paul reminds Timothy
of the need to study the Scriptures and preach the Gospel in season and out of season. Through
the parable of the widow and the judge, Jesus teaches the need for perseverance in prayer.
Reflect:
Two things that get waylaid when we busy ourselves with the daily chores of life are reading
the Scriptures and praying. The immediate demands of life are so great that spending time to
read the Bible and pray individually or collectively seem like luxury. I once observed a
phenomenon in a theology study house: on the days the students had examination, the
morning prayer and meditation became “private” and the Mass was postponed to evening
– to help students with their immediate preparation for exam. I wonder if it didn’t communicate
a message to the students – the future priests – that prayers were secondary and cancellable
to suit one’s convenience? And, that is what they would grow up to do as well! When prayer
becomes marginal and sporadic, so does the grace of God in our lives as well.
Pray:
“Lord, give me the grace of perseverance in daily prayer.”
Act:
Spend an hour in personal prayer today.
