Trinity 18

Opening Verse of Scripture Psalm 119:89

Your word, O LORD , is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

Collect Prayer for the Day—Before we read we pray

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us your gift of faith that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to that which is before, we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever

God, our judge and saviour, teach us to be open to your trust and to trust in your love, that we may live each day with confidence in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Bible Reading Jeremiah Chapter 31 Verses 27–34

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. In those days they shall no longer say: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. NRSV

Second Reading 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. NRSV

Gospel Reading Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’ NRSV

Post Communion Prayer

We praise and thank you, O Christ, for this sacred feast:for here we receive you, here the memory of your passion is renewed, here our minds are filled with grace, and here a pledge of future glory is given, when we shall feast at that table where you reign with all your saints for ever. Amen

Commentary 

The unifying theme of the ‘Book of Consolation’, chapters 30 – 33 of Jeremiah, is hope for the future. In the passage set for today we read that that the earlier threats of a dray land and failure of crops are reversed. The land again will be fruitful and sustain large numbers of both people and cattle. Earlier in the book we might infer that God has been watching to see what happens as he plucks and breaks down, now the watching seems to have changed, God is watching over his people to build and to plant. He will bring about the promise He has made. Importantly, Jeremiah points out that the generation he speaks to are not bound by previous generations’ sin and guilt, something Jesus will highlight in His own ministry. But Jeremiah also points out that, whilst this generation might not be bound by their ancestors’ sins, they are suffering the consequences of it. Equally, each generation, and individual are free to turn back to God, as we all are today. The good news is that whilst we might suffer the consequences of others’ sins, historical or otherwise, we are not bound by what we may have ‘inherited’. Nonetheless, Jeremiah highlights we cannot save ourselves. All need the grace and intervention of God. The Jews were not just called to obey the law, but to let it pervade their very beings, to respond to it with love and openness, something which they found challenging at times. The same is true for us, we are called to follow Christ with our lives, letting His love pervade our every thought and action, not just to use scripture as an instruction manual to be followed without letting it touch our inner lives. The law needed writing on peoples’ hearts, not just tablets of stone. As it is, so our lives reflect more the image of Christ and the desires of the Father God empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the true Covenant relationship is restored as sins are forgiven and forgotten. God will vindicate His people as they turn to Him. 

This seems to be the theme of the gospel passage where we read of a grumpy and somewhat intransigent judge and a feisty widow who will not give up on her constant requests for justice. We know from Deuteronomy that one of the functions of a Judge was to help people observe the Lord’s commands and decrees, one of which was to defend the rights of ‘widows and orphans’, Deut 10 v 18. This judge is therefore negligent in his duties. On ethe one side we have a judge who is all powerful and on the other, a widow who is at the bottom of the pecking order and seemingly doesn’t even have a male relative to plead for her. The judge, whose (sole) duty is to administer justice, doesn’t even seem to care about justice itself, he seems to care more about having a quiet life. If he did once care about justice, it seems that he no longer believes or cares in it in the same way. Nor does he dispense justice to the widow because he has suddenly seen the light and the error of his ways, he gives her justice because he is fed up and worn down, some would say even threatened, by her constant visits and confrontations. We don’t even know what will happen the next time someone comes to him. Will he be similarly intransigent and only give justice if people constantly pester him and he doesn’t have something else on his mind? So, Jesus says, if the unjust judge gives justice, how much more will a just God, the supreme manifestation of all judgement and wisdom, grant justice for His chosen ones. He will vindicate His people as they turn to Him.

The Gospel reading, as consoling and comforting as it is, also raises an important question. When Jesus says, ‘I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly’, just how quick is quick? When we pray, why is it that answers don’t seem to be forthcoming sometimes, don’t seem particularly quick? Why is it that God doesn’t seem to hear or respond in the way which we would expect or would seem to be for the benefit and well-being of others in what can be some dire circumstances? In the passage Jesus responds by asking of He will find faith on earth when he comes. Is this just the typical replying to a question with a question or something else? Will it be a case of history repeating itself He asks. Will we too abandon hope when times get tough as it appears many have done in the past, or will we be faithful in our prayers and supplications in the knowledge that God does not give up on us, no matter what the circumstances look like. To be persistent in our prayers and not give way to despairing hopelessness. That in itself requires faithful endurance and trust in God. Part of the challenge of understanding this passage is when we equate and compare the disciples and believers, and even ourselves, with the woman, and God with the unjust judge too strictly or too rigidly. What we see in the passage are two completely different attitudes to justice and the Kingdom of God on earth. The judge does not seem committed to justice but to a quiet and comfortable life, but the woman, in contrast, is fully committed and determined that right will be done whatever it takes. She will not give up until she has it. Ignoring the conventions of the time, probably including the norms for making requests to judges, she goes on and on until her appeal for justice becomes a reality. The sting in the tail for the disciples Jesus addresses is that He is asking them which attitude will He find among them, and all His followers when He return in great glory. Will they too have given up and given in to a life of convenience and quietness and have dropped and eased back on the demands of the gospel? Will they still be faithful or will they have drifted away from the passion they once had for God’s Kingdom coming on earth.

When we look at Timothy and his ministry, he and it might not have been perfect, but faithfulness is a hallmark which engraved on his life and work in the gospel. It shines through, whatever the circumstances. Persistence, faithfulness, and perseverance, and often a passion for justice and the rights of those who are so easily overlooked or neglected, are all hallmarks of great people of faith, from the Old Testament to the New, from ancient times to the present. We may never quit understand how quick is quick, but we are called to be faithful and prayerful while we find out. Just as the Lord Himself is faithful and watches over us, as together we build and plant the new Kingdom on earth, in God’s perfect timing, however quick or slow that might be, all with the hope for the future that Jeremiah foretold. Sam Cappleman

Meditation

In the Preface to the Second Edition of his book, ‘Run with the Horses’ (see Book Review) writing about the American Church, which has many parallels with churches in other countries, Eugene Peterson writes, ‘The American church seems to have lost its nerve. Leaders are stepping up to provide strategies of renewal and reform. If the sociologists are right, more and more people are becoming disappointed and disaffected with the church as it is and are increasingly marginalised. The most conspicuous response of the church at this loss of “market share” is to develop more sophisticated consumer approaches, more efficient management techniques. If people are not satisfied, we’ll find a way to woo them back with better publicity and glossier advertising. We’ll repackage the church under fresh brand names… …The huge irony is that the more the gospel is offered in consumer terms, the more consumers are disappointed. The gospel is not a consumer product; it does not satisfy what we think of as our “needs.” The life of Jeremiah is not an American “pursuit of happiness.” It is more like God’s pursuit of Jeremiah.’
Quote used with Permission of IVPress  Sam Cappleman

Hymns

• Ye holy angels bright
• Will you anchor hold in the storms of life
• Lord Jesus Christ
• At the name of Jesus
  

Prayers for Sunday and the week ahead

Merciful Father you have made of one blood all the people of this earth. May we love your children of each nation as you love them equally. Give to us such tenderness of heart that we may feel deeply the miseries and calamities of all of your human family and diligently remember them in love. Grant us such spirit of mind that we may not only seek our own things, but also the things of others. Let this mind also be in us which was in Jesus Christ our Lord. we ask this that your children may live together in the spirit and bond of peace and kindness to one another. In so living may we know your presence in our lives as the God of grace, mercy and peace. 

Heavenly Father, who has promised to hear us when we pray, keep us childlike enough in our faith to persist in our prayers and make us wise enough to know your answer when it comes, that we do not presume on each other’s time; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Contemporary collects

Take from me, O Lord, all desire for worldly praise and all uncontrolled anger and remorse. Give to me a humble and lowly heart, and a mind tender with kindness and compassion. Grant to me also, good Lord, fullness of faith, firmness of hope and fervency of love, that my one desire may be conformity to your gracious will; through Christ our Lord. Amen Thomas More, 1478-1535 

May we sow seeds of justice, may we nurture holy visions. May we harvest gentle wisdom, may patience be our grain. Make we mix in grain and courage, may we kindle the fires of truth. May we share the bread of healing. May god’s banquet fill each hand. Amen

On leaving this place, may the worship not end, nor the presence of God feel taken away. On leaving this place, may we not forget the holiness of worship. On leaving this place, may we always remember that we go to live among people created by God. On leaving this place, may we carry the music of God within us and proclaim His glory as we go. Amen

Bless all of us Marthas, Lord as we prepare the meals and do the laundry and struggle with the shopping. Bless all of us Marys, Lord, as we study late at night, and love the times of worship and treasure silence. Bless the Lazarus within us, Lord, dead to the world, curled up in a private tomb. Call us out, give us life and bless us. Amen (Bernard Thorogood)

We pray for our nation and those set in authority over us and for all the rulers and nations of this world. We ask that you would endue them with your spirit of justice and of compassion that peace may prevail. Lord God, especially we ask, that all people may enjoy the benefits of this great world which you have created. We pray for a more equal sharing, that all may prosper and share the blessings which you pour out upon the world. Amen.

Father we are concerned about the world and its conflicts and we are fearful of the hatred and bitterness which causes such waste of human life. Bring peace to those who are anxious and may we learn your lessons of peace and forgiveness. We pray for those in other lands and in our own country also who experience injustice and oppression, for those who hunger and cannot find food, for those who thirst and have no drink.

Gracious God, you have richly blessed us and yet so often we fail to thank you for these blessings. Instead we focus on what bothers us, what afflicts us, and we cry out, not in faith, but in doubt. Lord when we become mired in anger and despair and help us to have a faith that perseveres.

Lord Jesus Christ, whose arms of love were stretched wide upon the cross so that all may come within your saving embrace; stretch forth in mercy the hands of your Church today that in its ministry of compassion we may enter again into the Kingdom of your justice and grace. Amen. Charles Henry Brent, 1862-1929

Additional Resources

Commentary

The story today of the widow and the unjust judge shows two extremes of power. The judge is a senior male in a male dominated society. The widow is not only female, she is without any sources of power. As a widow she had no means of support, she would be facing financial ruin and the loss of her possessions. A widow could not inherit her husband's estate and they were dependent on the compassion of the community. The fact that the woman appears by herself in court means that she has no male relative to speak for her. She is totally powerless and poor. Widows are symbols of vulnerability in the Bible. The are many passages in the Bible which give instructions to consider the needs of widows, orphans, and strangers. (Exodus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; 24:17-21; 27:19; Luke 20:47; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 5:3-5). We are not told exactly what the circumstances the widow found herself. Whatever her situation she would have some grounds for expecting that the judge would listen to her and act to give her justice. 

Sadly, the reason why these instructions to care for widows are repeated so often, is probably because nobody ever took much notice of them. It is most often the poor and weak who are exploited and taken advantage of because they can do little about it. It is interesting to note the politicians of all parties who are currently stating the importance of ensuring that in a time of financial tightening in our own society, we must try and protect those who are most vulnerable and weak. The challenge is how to do that when their voice is not the strongest. The temptation is always to listen to those who can shout the loudest.

Jesus as we know sided with the poor and the weak and the oppressed. In Luke chapter 20 he says

'Beware of the teachers of the law, they like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplace and have the important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. They devour widows houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely’

Was this widow facing the same fate? Perhaps following the death of her husband the vultures came by to devour the estate leaving her unjustly deprived. Clearly the widow feels aggrieved with a sense of injustice she cries out to the judge

'Grant me justice against my adversary’

The judge is very powerful, he has the fate of others in his hands. He is at the other end of the power scale to the widow. No doubt the judge was busy, he would have had other things on his mind, there would be more important people calling for their needs to be considered. It was much easier to ignore the widow who was weak and defenceless. So she suffered, having no means to force his attention, no male, no money, no power. However the widow will not take ‘no’ for an answer. She never gives up, she follows the judge, she pursues him and becomes like a stalker! No doubt she went to his house, followed him to the shops and his friends would have seen what was going on. 

Eventually the judge and acknowledges that whilst he has no change of heart towards the widow, he will act for the widow, simply because he has become completely fed up of her making a nuisance of herself. We are told that she bothers him so much that she might wear him out. The word which is used for ‘wear him out’ is hupopiaze, and it comes from the world of boxing and refers to striking someone under the eye. The judges is saying that the widow is making such a nuisance of herself that he realises that she must be listened to before she gives him a black eye. The judge is worried about his reputation and the expression ‘blackeye’ means that this is what she is capable of destroying. If he fails to act he will look foolish in the community. The widow has no money or status, she appears weak and yet she has discovered power in perseverance. That is what this parable is about, discovering that those who persevere, who endure all that life throws at them, will win out in the end.

Put this parable into a Christian context and we realise the importance which Jesus attaches to perseverance in the face of adversity. Think of what those early Christians would have thought when they read this parable as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. These were Christians who were persecuted and powerless, awaiting the return of the Lord, disappointed that he had not already appeared. The words of Jesus as recorded by Luke would have given them encouragement to continue to keep the faith and walk in the way of Christ. The message was clear, if the dishonest judge, worried about his reputation, would eventually give justice to the widow who persevered, could not God be relied upon to be faithful to his words. God’s reputation was significantly better than that of a corrupt judge, there was no question of God defaulting on promises made to his people. The questions therefore is not whether God will fulfill his promises, but whether his people would be capable of perseverance to endure until he came. This explains why the end of this parable is about the return of Jesus. Look at the last sentence it asks,

‘Will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he returns.’

The assumption is that Christians must endure the sorrows and trials of this world. They will not be immune from the tribulations of human life, the very faith which they confess might lead to greater suffering and trials. Neverthless, the Christians must remain faithful, they must not quit and give up, they must have the substance to remain true, whatever adversity might come a long. One of my favourite prayers is by John Henry Newman (1801-90) 

Support us, O Lord, all the day long, of this troublous life. 

until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes,

and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over,

and our work is done.

Then Lord, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest,

and peace at the last, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The reason why I like this prayer is because it is honest about the realities of life and the troubles which befall God's people. This recognises the realities of life in exactly the same way that Jesus does in the parable. There will be difficulties ahead, so will we persevere through to the end?

The widow found justice from an unjust judge who was worried about his reputation. The reputation of God is of far more importance and he will not ignore the plight of his people. It the reassurance of the character of God which is our motivation never to lose heart and continue to press on in prayer for the establishment of God’s kingdom of justice on earth. Charles Royden 

Meditation

When a boxer is taking a pounding in the ring his team might indicate that enough is enough and decide that the better course of action is to give up. At this point a towel might be thrown into the boxing ring as a symbolic sign of defeat. Sometimes life itself can feel like that, it can be very hard to keep on going when life throws hard punches, sometimes one after another. For the Christian there is always the temptation in times of struggle to doubt the care and compassion of God and to throw in the towel. We can sympathise with Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof when he asks why God can’t just change things a little bit in his favour for once and sings 

‘Lord who made the lion and the lamb, you decreed I should be what I am. 

Would it spoil some vast eternal plan? If I were a wealthy man. 

More significantly we all have times when we wonder just why our prayers cannot be answered for things less selfish, like healing for a loved one or a cure for a suffering child.

Jesus knew this which is why the parable we have today is prefaced by the words that Jesus wanted to encourage the disciples never to give up. Surely he knew the trials and tribulations of life and we know that he was tempted to throw in the towel, most significantly in that prayer in Gethsemane when he asked that the cup of suffering might pass from him. So today our readings all speak of the need for endurance because faith is not easy. Jacob wrestles spiritually and is left after his great endurance with a permanent physical limp. Jesus tells about a woman who never gives up seeking justice even though the judge was corrupt. The Apostle Paul encourages his young apprentice minister Timothy to keep the faith and endure suffering when times are unfavourable. In Hebrews 12 it speaks of the need for the Christian to persevere as if they were running a race. The way to endure to the finish line was to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus who has endured it all before and who would be waiting at the finish line. Charles Royden

Commentary

I was telephoned on my mobile recently by somebody complaining that I had not answered their Email. I apologised and asked when the Email was sent, it transpired that the unanswered Email had been sent four hours earlier, during which time I had not been home to visit the machine of slavery which my computer has now become. A few years ago a letter would have been sent to me, this was then delivered by the postman after a day or so. It would have been opened the following day, or the day after that, leisurely, perhaps over a cup of tea and piece of toast. Now things have changed in the working environment, we are all inundated with Emails, they demand instant satisfaction. This is progress we are told, but I am not really sure. We have become more demanding and intolerant and we demand instant gratification for our needs. This might be considered a good thing, but regardless of your point of view, one outcome has been that we are less able to understand long term goals and commitments. if it doesn’t happen now and quickly, then we loose interest. Things seem to me to be more shallow and lacking in commitment. many people want instant results in everything, jobs, wealth, success and yes, even relationships. There is less willingness to persevere and make sacrifices, indeed those two words are less and less appealing as each year goes by. People do not want to persevere any more and sacrifice is considered a bad thing. The result of this is that often people give up and don’t make the effort which really important things sometimes need. Many couples will end a relationship rather than work at it.

This sounds like a rant more than a commentary but the point is very pertinent to the readings. Paul encourages Timothy to persevere in his faith as he goes through a difficult ministry. He must stick at it in season and out of season. Jesus speaks about the value of persistence, a widow is rewarded for perseverance in her appeal for vindication against an adversary. Commitment, perseverance, these are old fashioned values which do not chime with our current demand for instant gratification which quickly looses interest. True happiness and fulfilment sometimes requires endeavour and it is often only as we go through the hardships and trauma, that we develop as individuals and in our relationships. 

This is as true for our spiritual and prayer life as it is for our human relationships. We persevere knowing that something worth having is worth the effort, and worth as much effort as is necessary for as long as it takes. Our prayers are just the same, they may take a considerable time to be answered in any way which we recognise as God’s purpose. Yet if they are worth praying, then they are worth waiting for and doing all within our power to make succeed.

There is a real danger that as members of the first generation which has ‘enjoyed’ the benefits of Email, we may start to think that God is just sitting there at his computer waiting to send one back by return. Failure to receive that instant answer will therefore lead to disappointment and frustration. Luke tells us that the purpose of the parable is to remind the disciples about the need for persistence in prayer and in their lives. We are supposed after reading this parable to be brought to a point of asking ourselves the question, 

The story is full of the contrasts which so often leap out of the ministry of Jesus. On one side there is the judge, who has all the power on his side, on the other side we see the woman, who doesn't even have a male relative to do her pleading for her, she is at the bottom of the pecking order. However she does manage to get what she wants, by sheer persistence. The judge, whose title and position arise out of the need to administer justice, doesn't actually care about justice at all. He just wants a quiet life. The woman, on the other hand, is determined that justice be done, and she is not going to give up until it is. She ignores her own low status compared to that of the judge; she ignores all the conventions of when it is proper to approach the judge with her requests; she just goes on and on. She is convinced of the rightness of her cause and so she will not be content with a cursory brush off.

We know, of course, that God is not like the unjust judge of the parable; but the implication is that if such a wicked man will give in when he tires of the widow's pleas, then surely a just, merciful, and loving God will be that much swifter to answer our prayers. God is not devoid of morality like the judge, he is compassionate and more caring than we can imagine, hence our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God is only too willing for us to come before him in prayer and seek out justice. When we pray and mean it, tremendous resources are set free in our world and this is how real lasting change can take place.

Faithfulness in prayer and the commitment of our lives as we seek to live out our prayers, is a hallmark of Christian ministry for all of us.

Charles Royden

Commentary 

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge and a poor widow woman. Luke tells us that the purpose of the parable is to remind the disciples about the need for persistence in prayer and in their lives. We are supposed after reading this parable to be brought to a point of asking ourselves the question, 'Am I the kind of Christian who is characterised by faithful endurance.'

The story is full of the contrasts which so often leap out of the ministry of Jesus. On one side there is the judge, who has all the power on his side, on the other side we see the woman, who doesn't even have a male relative to do her pleading for her, she is at the bottom of the pecking order. However she does manage to get what she wants, by sheer persistence. The judge, whose title and position arise out of the need to administer justice, doesn't actually care about justice at all. He just wants a quiet life. The woman, on the other hand, is determined that right will be done, and she is not going to give up until it is. She ignores her own low status compared to that of the judge; she ignores all the conventions of when it is proper to approach the judge with her requests; she just goes on and on. She is convinced of the rightness of her cause and so she will not be content with a cursory brush off.

We know, of course, that God is not like the unjust judge of the parable; but the implication is that if such a wicked man will give in when he tires of the widow's pleas, then surely a just, merciful, and loving God will be that much swifter to answer our prayers. God is not devoid of morality like the judge, he is compassionate and more caring than we can imagine, hence our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God is only too willing for us to come before him in prayer and seek out justice. When we pray and mean it, tremendous resources are set free in our world and this is how real lasting change can take place.

So we have to ask whether we give in to convenience and the desire for a quiet life. Faithfulness in prayer and the commitment of our lives as we seek to live out our prayers, is a hallmark of Christian ministry for all of us. Have we dropped the stringent demands of the gospel, or are we faithful? The widow was persistently pleading in this parable for justice. God calls us all to further the cause of justice in this world and to be on the side of those who cannot call for themselves. In this One World Week perhaps this is an excellent passage as it reminds us that we should all be committed to the process of justice and peace. Remember the words from the prophet Micah: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."

In what ways does God call us to strive for justice and peace this week? It may be in our business practices, or in the way we treat others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves. It will most certainly be in the way that we pray for an end to the suffering of people around the world tormented by war and terrorism. And when we do behave like this, we behave in a God-like way. We make ourselves available, and God uses us. It may be that we as Christians have something important for the whole world to hear as it races towards self-destruction. How persistent are we in seeking God's help in making known a better way for our world. The passage finishes with a warning that Jesus will return and that he expects his followers to be living lives which are prepared. Charles Royden

Meditation

“In Lectio Divina (Holy reading) we offer ourselves to God; and we are people in motion. In ancient times this inner spiritual motion was described as a helix - an ascending spiral. Viewed in only two dimensions it appears as a circular motion back and forth; seen with the added dimension of time it becomes a helix, an ascending spiral by means of which we are drawn ever closer to God. The whole of our spiritual lives were viewed in this way, as a gentle oscillation between spiritual activity and receptivity by means of which God unites us ever closer to Himself. In just the same way the steps or stages of lectio divina represent an oscillation back and forth between these spiritual poles. In lectio divina we recognize our underlying spiritual rhythm and discover many different ways of experiencing God's presence - many different ways of praying.” (Fr Luke Dysinger)

Commentary

I was telephoned on my mobile recently by somebody complaining that I had not answered their Email. I apologised and asked when the Email was sent, it transpired that the unanswered Email had been sent four hours earlier, during which time I had not been home to visit the machine of slavery which my computer has now become. A few years ago a letter would have been sent to me, this was then delivered by the postman after a day or so. It would have been opened the following day, or the day after that, leisurely, perhaps over a cup of tea and piece of toast. Now things have changed in the working environment, we are all inundated with Emails, they demand instant satisfaction. This is progress we are told, but I am not really sure. We have become more demanding and intolerant and we demand instant gratification for our needs. This might be considered a good thing, but regardless of your point of view, one outcome has been that we are less able to understand long term goals and commitments. if it doesn’t happen now and quickly, then we loose interest. Things seem to me to be more shallow and lacking in commitment. many people want instant results in everything, jobs, wealth, success and yes, even relationships. There is less willingness to persevere and make sacrifices, indeed those two words are less and less appealing as each year goes by. People do not want to persevere any more and sacrifice is considered a bad thing. The result of this is that often people give up and don’t make the effort which really important things sometimes need. Many couples will end a relationship rather than work at it.

This sounds like a rant more than a commentary but the point is very pertinent to the readings. Paul encourages Timothy to persevere in his faith as he goes through a difficult ministry. He must stick at it in season and out of season. Jesus speaks about the value of persistence, a widow is rewarded for perseverance in her appeal for vindication against an adversary. Commitment, perseverance, these are old fashioned values which do not chime with our current demand for instant gratification which quickly looses interest. True happiness and fulfilment sometimes requires endeavour and it is often only as we go through the hardships and trauma, that we develop as individuals and in our relationships. 

This is as true for our spiritual and prayer life as it is for our human relationships. We persevere knowing that something worth having is worth the effort, and worth as much effort as is necessary for as long as it takes. Our prayers are just the same, they may take a considerable time to be answered in any way which we recognise as God’s purpose. Yet if they are worth praying, then they are worth waiting for and doing all within our power to make succeed.

There is a real danger that as members of the first generation which has ‘enjoyed’ the benefits of Email, we may start to think that God is just sitting there at his computer waiting to send one back by return. Failure to receive that instant answer will therefore lead to disappointment and frustration. Luke tells us that the purpose of the parable is to remind the disciples about the need for persistence in prayer and in their lives. We are supposed after reading this parable to be brought to a point of asking ourselves the question, 

The story is full of the contrasts which so often leap out of the ministry of Jesus. On one side there is the judge, who has all the power on his side, on the other side we see the woman, who doesn't even have a male relative to do her pleading for her, she is at the bottom of the pecking order. However she does manage to get what she wants, by sheer persistence. The judge, whose title and position arise out of the need to administer justice, doesn't actually care about justice at all. He just wants a quiet life. The woman, on the other hand, is determined that justice be done, and she is not going to give up until it is. She ignores her own low status compared to that of the judge; she ignores all the conventions of when it is proper to approach the judge with her requests; she just goes on and on. She is convinced of the rightness of her cause and so she will not be content with a cursory brush off.

We know, of course, that God is not like the unjust judge of the parable; but the implication is that if such a wicked man will give in when he tires of the widow's pleas, then surely a just, merciful, and loving God will be that much swifter to answer our prayers. God is not devoid of morality like the judge, he is compassionate and more caring than we can imagine, hence our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God is only too willing for us to come before him in prayer and seek out justice. When we pray and mean it, tremendous resources are set free in our world and this is how real lasting change can take place.

Faithfulness in prayer and the commitment of our lives as we seek to live out our prayers, is a hallmark of Christian ministry for all of us. Charles Royden

Commentary 

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge and a poor widow woman. Luke tells us that the purpose of the parable is to remind the disciples about the need for persistence in prayer and in their lives. We are supposed after reading this parable to be brought to a point of asking ourselves the question, 'Am I the kind of Christian who is characterised by faithful endurance.'

The story is full of the contrasts which so often leap out of the ministry of Jesus. On one side there is the judge, who has all the power on his side, on the other side we see the woman, who doesn't even have a male relative to do her pleading for her, she is at the bottom of the pecking order. However she does manage to get what she wants, by sheer persistence. The judge, whose title and position arise out of the need to administer justice, doesn't actually care about justice at all. He just wants a quiet life. The woman, on the other hand, is determined that right will be done, and she is not going to give up until it is. She ignores her own low status compared to that of the judge; she ignores all the conventions of when it is proper to approach the judge with her requests; she just goes on and on. She is convinced of the rightness of her cause and so she will not be content with a cursory brush off.

We know, of course, that God is not like the unjust judge of the parable; but the implication is that if such a wicked man will give in when he tires of the widow's pleas, then surely a just, merciful, and loving God will be that much swifter to answer our prayers. God is not devoid of morality like the judge, he is compassionate and more caring than we can imagine, hence our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God is only too willing for us to come before him in prayer and seek out justice. When we pray and mean it, tremendous resources are set free in our world and this is how real lasting change can take place.

So we have to ask whether we give in to convenience and the desire for a quiet life. Faithfulness in prayer and the commitment of our lives as we seek to live out our prayers, is a hallmark of Christian ministry for all of us. Have we dropped the stringent demands of the gospel, or are we faithful? The widow was persistently pleading in this parable for justice. God calls us all to further the cause of justice in this world and to be on the side of those who cannot call for themselves. In this One World Week perhaps this is an excellent passage as it reminds us that we should all be committed to the process of justice and peace. Remember the words from the prophet Micah: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."

In what ways does God call us to strive for justice and peace this week? It may be in our business practices, or in the way we treat others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves. It will most certainly be in the way that we pray for an end to the suffering of people around the world tormented by war and terrorism. And when we do behave like this, we behave in a God-like way. We make ourselves available, and God uses us. It may be that we as Christians have something important for the whole world to hear as it races towards self-destruction. How persistent are we in seeking God's help in making known a better way for our world. The passage finishes with a warning that Jesus will return and that he expects his followers to be living lives which are prepared. Charles Royden

Meditation

“In Lectio Divina (Holy reading) we offer ourselves to God; and we are people in motion. In ancient times this inner spiritual motion was described as a helix - an ascending spiral. Viewed in only two dimensions it appears as a circular motion back and forth; seen with the added dimension of time it becomes a helix, an ascending spiral by means of which we are drawn ever closer to God. The whole of our spiritual lives were viewed in this way, as a gentle oscillation between spiritual activity and receptivity by means of which God unites us ever closer to Himself. In just the same way the steps or stages of lectio divina represent an oscillation back and forth between these spiritual poles. In lectio divina we recognize our underlying spiritual rhythm and discover many different ways of experiencing God's presence - many different ways of praying.” (Fr Luke Dysinger)

Meditation: Flying further

At this time of year, we can see and hear flocks of geese as they fly in V-formation, migrating into Britain from Iceland or Russia. Scientists at California's University of Technology have used computers and flight simulators to show that flocks of geese fly in V-formation because that is the most energy-efficient way to fly. The air turbulence from the lead goose gives uplift to the two geese on either side. In turn, uplift is passed on to the geese further out in the V-formation. Each goose takes its turn to be leader, and then moves to rest on the outer edge of the V-shape. As the geese co-operate with one another, a flock can fly over 70% further than the same number of geese flying individually.

In times of difficulty, Lord, we appreciate the support and encouragement of others. In better times we feel stronger and more secure. Remind us then to co-operate with other people and look out for the needs of others, being ready to offer a smile, a word, and other support and encouragement. Amen. 

Meditation

At this time of year, we can see and hear flocks of geese as they fly in V-formation, migrating into Britain from Iceland or Russia. Scientists at California's University of Technology have used computers and flight simulators to show that flocks of geese fly in V-formation because that is the most energy-efficient way to fly. The air turbulence from the lead goose gives uplift to the two geese on either side. In turn, uplift is passed on to the geese further out in the V-formation. Each goose takes its turn to be leader, and then moves to rest on the outer edge of the V-shape. As the geese co-operate with one another, a flock can fly over 70% further than the same number of geese flying individually.

In times of difficulty, Lord, we appreciate the support and encouragement of others. In better times we feel stronger and more secure. Remind us then to co-operate with other people and look out for the needs of others, being ready to offer a smile, a word, and other support and encouragement. Amen.