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But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
We heard this gospel about the wicked judge and the persistent widow recently, during the Sunday Mass, because the Cycle C readings are mostly taken from the Gospel according to Saint Luke.
During this last month of the liturgical year, as we consider “The Last Things,” we should hear Jesus’ teachings about persistence in prayer coupled with the urgency of the End Time. And so we ponder His question, “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? ”
Occasionally, in this most joyful of the four gospels, we hear a prophetic, disturbing, even scornful challenge. Yesterday we heard a similar remark, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.” Elsewhere in Saint Luke's gospel is the shocking, "Let the dead bury the dead!"
But the key to this passage is “Pay attention!” This command echoes the Shema of the Old Testament, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is one. Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…. ”
Catholic scripture scholars insist the message of all the apocalyptic passages is reassurance. Do not be afraid; God has everything in hand. Nothing will happen that God has not foreseen. You will suffer nothing that Jesus has not suffered already. You will survive because you fix your attention on Jesus. Indeed not a hair on your head will be destroyed . (Luke 21:18)
So we take the question that ends this comical story about the wicked judge and the persistent widow as a warning, “Don’t just laugh at the humor of this story. Don’t just assume you’re saved and everything is going to be just ducky!
During this season we examine our hearts, alert to the sin that is there, and repent.
If we say, "We are without sin," we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us . (I John 8-10)
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.