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The unjust Judge



Gospel
Luke 18:1-8
The parable of the unjust judge
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’
    And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
This parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge is a powerful lesson in perseverance in prayer. It highlights the stark contrast between the reluctant judge and a loving God. The judge, who cares about no one, eventually grants the widow justice simply to stop her from bothering him. This is an example of what can be accomplished through sheer persistence.

Now, consider God. If a cold-hearted judge will eventually respond to a persistent plea, how much more will a loving and just God respond to the cries of his chosen people? The parable reassures us that God will not only listen but will act decisively and speedily on behalf of those who trust in him. He will see that justice is done.

The final, unsettling question, "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?" serves as a challenge to all of us. It asks if we will remain faithful and persistent in our prayers, trusting in God's promises even when answers seem delayed. It's a call to examine the depth of our faith.

Question for Reflection
Do you truly believe that God will answer your persistent prayers, even when it feels like nothing is happening? What does a persistent faith look like in your life right now?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you hear our prayers and will act on our behalf. Give us the grace to be persistent in our faith and to trust in your perfect timing, even when we feel weary. Strengthen our hearts so that when we pray, we may never lose hope. Amen

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