In this week’s gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a widow (who is vulnerable and without power) demanding justice from a judge who is unjust, even by his own account. She came to the judge every day, calling for justice against her opponent until the judge granted justice – not because he had compassion for the widow’s suffering or because it was the right thing to do. He granted justice because he was tired of the woman’s entreaties and didn’t want to be embarrassed by her repeatedly calling attention to the way he wasn’t doing his job. Her persistence paid off.
Jesus says, if even this guy grants justice to someone who is persistent, how much more will God respond when we ask? In contrast to the judge, God cares deeply for each one of us and for all of us. God’s intention is justice for us and all humanity, as well as all creation. God wants the vulnerable and oppressed to be cared for and respected. God wants the powerful to do what is right for everyone, not just themselves and their cronies. God wants peace and healing and new life for the whole world.
In prayer, we turn to God, asking for help for ourselves as well as the people around us and across the world. Jesus encourages us to be like the persistent widow, tireless in our requests. In asking for help, we invite God into our concerns and struggles. We let down our defenses and invite God to care for us. We admit we are in need. We acknowledge our own limits, that we aren’t in control. We call on God’s goodness.
Of course, we know that praying for something does not bring results instantaneously. Prayer isn’t a coin we put into a vending machine to get the item of our choice. Prayer is openness and vulnerability. Prayer is admitting we need help and telling God about that need. Prayer helps move us closer to God – who is the source of life, the author of all goodness, the one who loves us and wants so much for us. So very different from the parable’s judge, God loves you and me and all creation.
Peace,
Alicia