We are God's people
and persistence is the order of the day. Jacob, in wrestling with the man until
daybreak, is the representation of all of us wrestling with our innermost
selves, the unjust judge within us, fearing our self-perceived failings and
lacking. 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, and inspiration, to all we
meet. Let our faith bloom amidst the rocks and obstacles of this human sojourn
in spite of our own doubts and attempts to stop it. 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, in hope that others may 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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