[Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9 and Luke 18:1-8]

     The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.  Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?  Will he be slow to answer them?  I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily." [Luke]

     The evangelist Luke was writing for a community that was experiencing persecution for its faith.  It would be normal for them to wonder when God would deliver them from their distress.  However, Luke sets this deliverance  within the context of Jesus' second coming.  The widow in the parable who nags the judge is the key to this.  It is her persistence in prayer that is important and necessary.  

     Time and again in watching news reports of the latest natural disaster or gun violence resulting in groups of people being killed or wounded, I see communities come together and support one another through prayer.  It is this steady emotional and spiritual support that enables them to see their way forward.  The ultimate solution to their particular circumstances is not immediately known and won't be known for some time, but until that resolution can be known, the continued prayer makes all the difference.

     Luke challenges the community not to give up on God's deliverance, but that deliverance may come in ways that occur before Jesus' second coming.  We cannot know when that occurs, but we can answer Jesus' challenge to be prepared.   Persistent prayer is a good way to stay in shape.   AMEN