We are
God's people. And persistence is the order of the day. Jacob, in wrestling
with the man until daybreak, is all of us wrestling with our innermost selves,
the unjust judge within us, fearing our self-perceived failings and lackings.
But as Jacob prevails despite a life-long wound to remind him so do we. For
Jacob, as for us, it was less about the struggle and more about his capacity to
withstand, to overcome obstacles and personal history, and to be preserved by
God.
The
Psalmist’s words bring us to the dawn of inner comfort as our help
comes from the Lord and is always within us if we but remember to
call out and to call on that inner strength.
The
writer of 2nd Timothy calls us to be persistent, whether the
time is convenient or not, to proclaim the message, and to be
steadfast in the ministry to which Christ calls us, because people – including
us – will wander away from the truth and believe whatever they like.
The
parable that Jesus tells is a way to keep the disciples, and always us, from
losing heart and abandoning prayer. The widow keeps up the good fight to the
annoyance of the judge who believes he is an entity unto himself. We also
stubbornly yield to the sense of singularity of our own stature or desires,
with no apparent care or interest in the needs of others beyond our own, at
times. Yet this widow – a woman with no husband was the least of the least in
those days – kept coming before the judge, a bothersome, constant, squeaky
wheel whose noise the judge could no longer ignore or endure. He grants her the
justice she seeks but only in order to be rid of her. So, too will God hear us
who cry – or rather, pray – day and night, though never to be rid of us. God’s
Presence is always within, always available even in our struggles with doubt
and the frustrations and injustices of daily life.
Jesus leaves us with that final disconcerting question: And yet,
when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? How do we
answer? By returning again, and again, and again to Scripture, to prayer, to
patience, to giving and receiving support in a community of faith and
discipleship, to carry out our ministries fully. Let us feel bothered if
we wander away. Let us be bothered enough to listen, remember,
and turn back to the Gospel Truth, each time we turn only to ourselves as
judge. Let us be a bother in patience, persistence, inspiration, to all we
meet. Let our faith bloom amidst the rocks and obstacles of this human sojourn.
Oh, yes, do bother, persistently!
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~
Watchful, Loving God, as we wrestle with the unjust judge inside ourselves,
awaken us to Your strength within us, to carry and proclaim Your truth in our
every thought, word, and action.
O Lord, our Help
RESPONSE: Preserve us in faith and truth
~ Watchful, Loving
God, arouse our inner courage, in this time of unending urgencies, to be
the persistent and bothersome conscience of all who serve in the halls of
government across this Planet, this Nation, and this Community, on behalf of
all Your people and the very Earth itself. We pray especially for: add
your own petitions
O Lord, our Help
Preserve
us in faith and truth
~ Watchful, Loving
God, grant healing and hope to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit,
and revive the energy and dedication of all who serve their needs. We now
join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions
O Lord, our Help
Preserve
us in faith and truth
~ Watchful, Loving
God, grant divine comfort to those who grieve as You joyfully welcome, for
all eternity, all to whom You gave first breath and received their final
earthly sigh. We pray especially for… add your own petitions
O Lord, our Help
Preserve
us in faith and truth
~ Watchful, Loving
God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other
heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or
silently…add your own petitions
O Lord, our Help
Preserve
us in faith and truth
~ Watchful, Loving God, enrich
and inspire the souls of all who bring us to Your Word and Sacraments, and
guide us to carry out Your ministry in all facets of everyday life. We pray
especially for: add your own petitions
O Lord, our Help
Preserve
us in faith and truth
The Celebrant adds: O Lord
our God, quicken and embolden our faith that in all times, whether unfavorable
or good, we may persevere in learning and sharing through the Gospel message,
so that others will listen and walk with us in prayer and faith. We ask through
Jesus, Son of Man; and the Holy Spirit, the Persistent Voice within; who
together with You are One God, above all, forever and ever. Amen.
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