feared God nor people. In the same town was a widow who kept coming to him, saying:
‘Defend my rights against my opponent.’ 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 explained, “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. Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Reflect
I’m afraid that I don’t have much in common with the widow in today’s Gospel. I’ve never
been the persistent sort. When things get difficult, my first instinct is to give up. After a
little while, I usually get past that first instinct, but I still try to find the fastest way to end the
challenge. The widow, on the other hand, convinced of the rightness of her cause, never
ceased to pursue the justice she deserved.
We see the widow’s heirs in our own world. These are people who work without ceasing
to help make our world a better place. They work to educate children, eradicate disease,
aid migrants, end wars, and protect the environment. Even when they are ignored,
criticized, or threatened, they continue their efforts because they are convinced of the
rightness of their causes. We may not be called to change the world in these highly public
ways, but each of us has a role to play. We can learn about the issues, talk to those in
power and our neighbors, offer our time and treasure in support. Most of all, we can pray
that God will reward their persistence.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023