There are several creative ways that we can use the Scriptures to enrich and deepen our faith lives. What I will suggest today may be new to your prayer life but there may be insights that you have never had before.
The Gospel reading for this Sunday ( Luke 18, 1-8) focuses on our need to pray with perseverance and conviction. Jesus shares the parable of the unjust judge ( are real scoundrel who wanted to be paid off with a bribe most likely) and the defenceless widow who could not get a just settlement from this judge.
Feel the tension and the passion in this story.
In the culture of Jesus a widow was without power. Unless she had sons or other concerned person who could speak up for her and defend her, she would often be neglected, abused and cheated of her rightful property.
Now this widow uses the only weapon she has. She is persistent and demands that her case be heard. The corrupt judge finally relents. If he does not meet her rightful demands, she will drive him nuts! He gives in to her persistence.
Now, here is where we can flip the characters around. Make God the persistent widow and ourselves the unjust judge.
As the persistent widow God comes to us, challenges us on the evils and the great suffering that all wars bring. What does God have to say to the unjust aggressor when one country invades and takes over the territory of another country? What does God say about all the innocent people who suffer as war is being waged?
What is God saying about the scammers who cheat and steal from the poor and unsuspecting people? What does God say to all thieves who break in and steal from the working poor, the elderly and defenceless refugees?
And then in our brokenness. How does God move in the lives and hearts of wounded people? What is God igiving to broken and hurtful people? Does God walk by and just leave them to deteriorate by the roadside?
You can add so many other situations where the concerns of God could be voiced in this persistent widow. She may be poor and seemingly helpless but she does not give up. Is this not a fitting image of our God who does not give up on us: no matter how evil we may have become? No matter how broken and lost we appear to be? No matter how aimless our levies might be adrift?
Fllip the image of the widow to be the persistent God. What is God teaching you?
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