St.Margaret of Scotland, St Gertrude
Readings:
3 John 3-8
Luke 18: 1-8
Reflection:
The gospel today speaks of digging deeper and leaning into the power of resilient prayer. An ultimate reminder of the trust required that God will bring about God’s justice on the earth.
Please don’t misunderstand, I am not saying we are not to pursue justice diligently as God’s ambassadors of mercy and peace. To the contrary! This parable is about those characteristics of resilience that develop when we decide never to give up, even in the face of the insurmountable obstacles before us. Resilience is the strength of character to keep going even when we encounter challenges. It can be grown or developed.
Experience has taught me that resilience manifests itself both individually and collectively. Individually through encouraging yourself even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. This is why Jesus tells the story, “To show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Prayer cultivates perseverance.
Resilience can also be experienced in the community. It’s the idea that those who are on your side and know your story can come to support you through prayer, words of encouragement and by physically coming to your aid to help with your needs. This takes shape in so many forms and ways.
The widow in the parable had no advocate to speak on her behalf, which left her in a hopeless state. But rather than giving up, she was relentless in her pursuit of justice. The unrighteous judge finally gave in to her plea because he knew that she would not stop coming to him until she received justice. Resilience manifests itself both in being and doing.
Resilience is more than something you do; it is who you are. It’s about understanding that your strength comes from the power of the Spirit of God that is in you. It is the inner core of strength from which action in the world comes. At the same time, once you learn to be resilient, you can sit in the midst of a storm and be still. What a gift!
Sr Karen Englebretsen CP, Cross and Passion Sisters. blessed to be a spiritual care worker in the homeless sector in Melbourne.