Monday, October 15

Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 146 & 53; Micah 7:1-7; Luke 18:1-8; Romans 6:12-19

Today’s Gospel passage from Luke reminds me of a recent pastor care situation I faced. This morning’s passage from Luke contains the parable often called “The Persistent Widow”. It's called that because it tells the story of a widow who goes to great lengths over a period of time to request justice from an unjust judge. At first the judge ignores her, but because of her persistence in making the request, the judge eventually gives in and grants her request. The parallels to our prayer life are obvious (though Jesus goes out of his way to point out he’s not insinuating God is an unjust judge). The last three weeks I’ve had a great opportunity to experience a vital prayer life through the experience of a parishioner who has been hospitalized with a respiratory issue. While most of us would have become discouraged and pulled back from our faith during such an extended time of uncertainty, this individual did the opposite. He remained remarkably focused and faithful in his requests of God. Even more powerful, during his time of recovery, he went a step further and allowed his requests to morph into a heightened awareness of what God might be calling him to through these circumstances. Today I invite you to think about an area of your life in which a little persistence might pay off (i.e. strain in a relationship with a loved one; a chronic illness; a battle with depression, etc.). As you contemplate that area, remember the example of the persistent widow as you once again turn to God. Your situation may or may not change, but I know of at least one thing that will in this process: your heart. Til next time…