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Sermon October 16, 2022
Canon Robert Schiesler
The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen’s
19th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24, Track 2
http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL/Pentecost/CProp24_RCL.html
Audio: /documents/Eucharist__October_16__2022
Video: https://youtu.be/b4q9KbHeyjw
PENT 24A (LK 18:1-8: Judge & Widow), Nativity, 10/16/22
In today's Gospel, we hear a fresh parable from Luke with an emphasis on persistent prayer. Here is a vivid contrast of characters in the person of authority, a judge and the widow, the most vulnerable person in society. Although there are specific commands in the Hebrew Scriptures to care for the widow, the orphan and the needy in our midst, such concerns were frequently neglected or addressed minimally. However, here is a twist in that this widow is one of determination, persistence and courage in pursuing what is right and good, not willing to stand off and beg for scraps or dignity. Each day, she confronts the judge as he exits the courthouse, seeking to set things right and be vindicated. He ignores her and the merits of her case. Yet he finally relents because of her insistence and to avoid a "black eye" in the community. He relents out of self interest and not because of any change of heart toward her or her cause.
Ultimately, he is that begrudging man who responds to this pesky woman's intrusions on his time, energy and attention.
Jesus explains this parable as a reminder to pray, to cry out, for justice, for God will not delay in helping the one who is persistent in hope and bold in action for the sake of the common quest for justice not for one alone but for all in community.
The judge cares not for humanity nor God but relies on the law, always imperfect and too often favorable to some and denigrating to others. The widow demands justice and thus illustrates the mercy, attention, patience and care that God has for each and all of God's holy but often imperfect people. The question for us stemming from this parable is not whether God will do God's part in rectifying justice but whether we will do ours..."when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" We often think of prayer as a formula that is transactional in nature; that is, we pray, prayer is answered and we are satisfied in some measure; God responds to us and acts accordingly or does not do so, and encounters our doubt or even ultimate disdain. However, I offer that prayer is not about me and God as much as it has to do with me and all of my hopes, dreams, imperfections, sins accompanied by my doubts and uncertainty. Thus, prayer resides safely in our Book of Common Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, the litanies and such well meaning but often trite words that have lost meaning and intent. As I began my parish ministry, I was called to the hospital one day with the news of Alan having a stroke. Not yet 30 for him or me, I arrived to find his wife, Betsy by his side. Here we were in the ICU, Alan incapacitated and Betsy, apprehensive of the future for them and their two young children. I stood there thinking "what should I say? What should I pray? If I only had remembered my Prayerbook". And then Betsy offered me prayerful advice. "You can talk to Alan; just pray with him. I believe he hears you." And so I did using simple but personal words, asking God's love and care to embrace Alan and Betsy and all those attending him in that place. I sought Jesus' presence and loving touch upon them both and then departed, wiser and humbled in that presence for which I prayed.
Prayer is that living, loving encounter with the living, loving God. Prayer is that expression of the dynamic of any living, faithful relationship. God will never shame us in our hopes and dreams; God will never look away from us because of our choices; God will always offer healing, caring, mercy and forgiveness. God approaches us in every moment, in every experience through people, events, our own thoughts, feelings and memories.
My dear ones whom I and so many hold in esteem and sincere prayer, be present to God in the here and now, the ordinary, the injustices and the interruptions of life. Be prayerfully present to that person you casually pass in the aisle at Giant as intently as your most beloved. Be situated in the heart of God as you prayerfully place others in that Divine place of unending love. Practice now; pray now, for the coming of the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, for you, for me, for all.
