A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 18:1-8)
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples about the necessity of persistent prayer. He illustrates this by telling them a parable about a widow who asked for a just decision against her adversary. The judge, Jesus says, “neither feared God nor respected any human being.” Deciding to address the widow so that she stops bothering him, the judge renders a decision for her. If the dishonest judge brings justice to the widow, how much more, Jesus tells the disciples, will God be quick to answer justly and mercifully those who call out to him day and night.
God, help me understand that in the words of Jesus you invite me to pray without ceasing for what I need. I often fail to recognize that what I believe I need is far from your will, and my hope in what I pray for begins to wane. Instead, let me trust that you know what I need even before I ask and that you are the only just judge, the one God alone who renders a just decision. Let me be unafraid of persisting in prayer and bothering you with the things I believe I need the most. Give me the grace to recognize that you provide for my needs over and above what I see as the best possible outcome. This is a matter of trust in your mercy; teach me to trust in your will for me.
From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Remember the marvels the Lord has done!” Lord, teach me to pray without becoming weary!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.