29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

Luke 18:1-8

"...pray always without becoming weary.” (Luke 18:1)

Prayer. We are often told to pray or respond to the problems of a friend with “I’ll pray for you.” It is somewhat of a default response in many situations, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, what a cause for rejoicing that our default is turning to prayer. But how we pray matters.

Jesus tells the disciples that they must “pray always without becoming weary” and proceeds to illustrate the concept with a parable. We see in the parable that a widow is facing what seems to be an insurmountable situation. Being a widow was one of the toughest situations one could find themselves in in Jesus’ time and we see that not only is the woman a widow, but she is also facing an additional adversary, who remains unnamed.

We don’t get much insight into the conflict she is going to the unrighteous judge about, but the state of her situation is all the more challenging when we see the response of the unrighteous judge. The widow finds herself in what seems to be a hopeless situation—more so than before—and yet she does not lose hope, nor does she grow weary. Rather, she persists and continues to return to the judge requesting justice and a fair ruling, which in turn pays off.

How often do we turn to the Lord in prayer and neglect to return? How often do we turn to Him, yet for whatever the reason may be, we do not have the hope that He will hear us or respond to us?  

Jesus assures us that if the unrighteous judge can render a decision from his own selfish concerns, how much greater and even more swiftly, will God respond and render just judgements for us when we ask.

Join me this week and take to prayer, with persistence, the things that are weighing on you. Whether it be the situation or obstacle that seems hopeless or an unfulfilled desire you have given up on. Allow the God of all hope to bring resolution to it! God bless you all.