Psalms 102 * 107:1-12; Malachi 3:1-12; James 5:7-12; Luke 18:1-8We are promised something beautiful in today's Gospel reading from Luke. Well, I guess it is really more than a promise. We have an assurance of God's love, God's justice, God's presence in our lives. Jesus provides this to us in the form of this story of the so called "unjust judge."
This individual has a jaundiced reputation, and proves that reputation by saying out loud "Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone....." We may know people who profess this kind of attitude: a jaded view of the world and themselves. And yet, in Jesus' story this judge ends up doing what is right, for the wrong reasons, but still does the right thing for the widow. And Jesus says, See, even if this dork-of-an-individual can do that which is right, how much more will God do for us if we keep the faith, and pray with full and rich hearts?
God's love for us is so overwhelmingly present, that our hearts should be full day and night, enriching our prayers and our interactions with the world. Yet Jesus knows our human nature and ends today Gospel account asking if we will keep our faith, acknowledge this basic fact of our beliefs, and remember that God does grant us justice. God's love is there for all of us, no matter who we are, what we have done, or how unworthy we may believe ourselves. No one is unworthy. God's justice, God's love, God's embrace stands ready for all. And that knowledge should warm our hearts and enliven our prayers and quicken the steps on our journeys.
jfd+
Copyright 2010, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment