Faith and Prayer

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24C), Oct. 21, 2007

BCP: Gen. 32:3-8, 22-30; Psalm 121; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:5; Luke 18:1-8a

RCL: Jer. 31:27-34; Psalm 119:97-104 or Gen. 32:22-31; Psalm 121; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:5; Luke 18:1-8

In the gospel reading two weeks ago, Jesus said to his disciples: “If you had faith [as big] as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, ‘Be rooted up and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you” (Luke 17:6). In today’s gospel, Jesus shares a parable about the potential of many mustard seeds of faith.

A few educated assumptions can help us to understand this parable. A widow would have been worthy of charity in order to survive (see Acts 6:1). This widow feels she has been wronged and seeks vindication. She addresses her claim to a judge “who neither feared God nor regarded man” (18:2). This sounds like a person who did not take his job very seriously, who did not feel accountable to anyone.

Luke tells us that this is a parable about prayer and not losing heart (18:1). We can assume then that this widow prays to God throughout her ordeal. The act of prayer serves at least two purposes: to put our concerns and deepest needs before God, and then to spend at least as much time (if not more) listening for God’s word to us. [The Prayers of the People during the Sunday liturgy are often deficient in this respect. Most congregations are petrified of an extended silence. As a result, we spend more time talking than listening.]

God answers every prayer, a teaching affirmed by Jesus at the end of the parable (18:7). Remember also that prayer changes the one doing the praying. In this case, through prayer the widow found the strength to persevere. Her persistent quest for justice was nurtured and sustained by her prayers to God.

Some years ago, a bishop was interviewing a well-known activist priest who was a candidate for a parish position. “Tell me about your spiritual life,” the bishop asked. After a brief pause, the bishop then added, “Actually, we can go on to the next topic. Anyone who has been doing what you have been doing for so many years by definition has a very rich spiritual life. I’d like to talk about that when we have more time.”

This theme of faithful persistence also will be found in the other readings. “...(Y)ou have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed (Gen. 32:28). “Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). “Be unfailing in patience” (2 Tim. 4:2). Next week will be our final installment in this series on faith. Strong faith can be corrupted by a very serious sin.

Look It Up

Jesus’ teaching, “God will vindicate his elect” (Luke 18:7-8), is repeated in five other places: Rev. 6:10, Matt. 24:22, Rom. 8:33, Col. 3:12, and 2 Tim. 2:10.

Think About It

How have your own prayers to God changed you?

Next Sunday

BCP: Jer. 14:(1-6)7-10, 19-22; Psalm 84 or 84:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14

RCL: Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65 or Ecclus. 35:12-17 or Jer. 14:7-10, 19-22; Psalm 84:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14