Saturday, November 16, 2002
32nd Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: 3 Jn 5-8
Gospel: Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should pray continually and not lose heart. He said, "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor people. In the same town was a widow who kept coming to him, saying: 'Defend my rights against my opponent.' For a time he refused, but finally he thought: 'Even though I neither fear God nor care about people, this widow bothers me so much I will see that she gets justice; then she will stop coming and wearing me out."
And Jesus explained, "Listen to what the evil judge says. Will God not do justice for his chosen ones who cry to him day and night even if he delays in answering them? I tell you, he will speedily do them justice. Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Commentary
In boxing, when one of the contenders wants to quit, his trainer flings the towel to the ring. There are too many in life who have thrown the towel. We have lost our heart after years of struggle trying to overcome our own conflicts, defending justice, or helping the needy. We are fully disheartened. Why go on fighting? Is it worthwhile? Will God listen to our prayers? The parable that Jesus tells us today is special for those who have thrown the towel. And it reminds us of a great truth: God is with us, even when we don't feel him present in our struggles. "Will God not do justice for his chosen ones?"