Reflection from Rev Jules Harris Luke 18:1-8The Parable of the Persistent Widow18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (NIV)ReflectionWHO ARE YOU. THE JUDGE OR THE WOMAN? ARE YOU READY FOR JESUS” RETURN?This little old parable in Luke gives us the key to the meaning of the reading, it’s about faithful endurance. The story of the judge and the woman is vivid and full of little ironies. The contrast is set up between the judge. Who has all the power on his side and the woman who doesn't even have a male relative to do her pleading for her, and so is at the bottom of the pecking order. All the same, by sheer persistence, she gets what she wants. 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. So far so good. But the problem comes when we try to apply the story to the disciples. Its Jesus’ remark at the end that brings clarity. “When the Son of Man comes”, will he find faith on earth?We are not meant to consider the disciples or indeed ourselves equivalent to the woman and God with the unjust judge. But to see two different attitudes. On the one hand, there is a judge who is lazy and faithless. He does what is right this time. But, who knows what will happen next time if the person who comes to him is less persistent or he has something else on his mind. He is not committed to doing justice, only to living a comfortable life. The woman, on the other hand, is determined that right will be done. And she's not going to give up until it is. She ignores her own status compared to that of the judge. She ignores all the conventions of when it is proper to approach the judge with requests. She just goes on and on relentlessly. Which of these two attitudes, Jesus asks, will he find among his followers when the Son of Man comes? Will you give him convenience and the desire for a quiet life, and gently drop the stringent demands of the gospel? Or will you still be faithful?AMENO Lord, God of heaven and earth, I place my life and my future in your hands. Help me to be faithfully persistent. Help me to bless others and help them find refuge in your gracious love whilst we wait for your return. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
Starting on Monday 13th October from 5:00-6:30pmWhy not come along to chat about the BIG questions in life and learn the basics of the Christian faith. We’ll have fun, ask questions, share our thoughts and enjoy a meal together too!Monday 13th October St Mary’s Church, Bideford Monday, 20th October: Holy Trinity, Westward Ho! Monday 27th October St Mary’s Church, Bideford Monday 3rd November Holy Trinity, Westward Ho! Monday 10th November St Mary's Church, Bideford Saturday 15th November Holy Trinity, Westward Ho! Monday 17th November St Mary’s Church, Bideford Monday 1st December Holy Trinity Westward Ho!For more information or to book contact Bradley and Emily Mob: 07843956241 E-mail: brad.tcmc@gmail.com or emily@stmaryschurchbideford.org
