Readings: 3 John 5-8, Ps. 112:1-6, Luke 18:1-8
“And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:7-8)
I once read a story about the invention of the Electric Bulb. It goes thus: “When Thomas Edison sought to invent the electric light bulb, he didn’t get it right the first time. But then, he didn’t immediately say, “I'm a big fat failure!” He didn’t throw his arms up, saying, “This is too hard. I give up!” He didn’t grab a bottle of booze and became an alcoholic.
- “When it didn't work the first time, Edison noted exactly what he had done and what components he had used. Then, he adjusted the experiment and tried again. And when that “failed”, he noted that, readjusted, and tried again. He kept learning from every experiment. He learned all the ways that it wouldn’t work. And each time he found a way that wouldn't work, he knew he was closer to finding a way that would work.
- It took him so many experiments to invent the perfect setup for the electric bulb. There was a lot of learning to go through. Nobody had done it before. He couldn’t read a book about it. He had to plug away, failing and learning, until he worked out the right way.” (www.wilywalnut.com)
- Faith will keep you going despite the failures you encounter. Edison believed in his vision, and even when he failed repeatedly, he wouldn’t stop. This is the kind of faith we need in God – a faith that continues to believe regardless of our failures or disappointments. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus uses the parable of the woman and the unjust judge to teach us the need for persistence in prayer.
- The Gospels contain examples of persons who prayed to Jesus in their moment of need but were not answered immediately. In Mark 10:46-52, we read about the healing of Blind Bartimaeus. When he heard Jesus passing by, he called out as loudly as possible, but Jesus ignored him. Even those with Jesus tried to silence him, but he kept calling out until Jesus stopped and sent for him.
- In Matthew 15:21-28, a Canaanite woman sought Jesus’ intervention for her daughter, who was possessed by a demon. Jesus completely ignored her for a while, but she never gave up. Jesus’s disciples asked Him to send her away, but she continued calling. Eventually, Jesus told her it was wrong to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. Hearing this, she said: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
- When Lazarus was sick, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. They trusted that Jesus would come because Lazarus was his friend, but to their surprise, Jesus failed to show up. Lazarus died and was buried. Mary and Martha were pained by their brother’s death and the heartbreak caused by Jesus’ refusal to show up on time. However, when Jesus visited four days later, they did not drive Jesus away. Martha told Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:21-23).
- Do not dismiss prayer because something happens even when you don’t see results. Prayer works! Prayer changes things. God is never slow. He does things at the right time. However, God’s “right time” may differ from our expectations. This should not discourage us. Failure is part of success. The more you fail, the closer you get to achieving your goal. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
- Finally, as John advises in today’s reading, be kind to strangers. You can never tell if that person who needs your help is an angel. (Cf. Hebrews 13:2). This reading also reminds us of Abraham’s hospitality to the men God sent to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (cf. Genesis 18:1-33).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, in the face of our difficulties and challenges, may we never give up on you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 32 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 3 John 5-8, Ps. 112:1-6, Luke 18:1-8).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu