In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus tells his disciples a parable to teach them the importants of praying “always without becoming weary.” He tells them of a judge who “neither feared God nor respected any human being.” Over and over again the judge keeps turning down a widow who keeps comes to him over and over again for help. Finally, her persistence wears him down and he renders a “just decision for her lest she finally come and strike [him].” Thus, says Jesus, will not God answer those who call on him day and night? Of course He will, Jesus assures them.
There is something almost amusing about the image of “nagging” God until he answers our prayer. (I think of the way a child asks a parent over and over again for something.) But under the amusing story is the reality we can bank on – that our God will answer our prayers. The answer may not come immediately. And when it comes, it may not be the answer we expected. (There is truth to the old admonition: be careful what you ask for.) But Jesus promises us that our prayer will not go unanswered.
Pray always without becoming weary.
