Wisdom 18: 14-16, 19: 6-9; Psalm 105; Luke 18: 1-8
“While gentle silence enveloped all things…your all powerful Word leaped from heaven….” So begins our Wisdom reading, reminding us that Advent is almost here. However, instead of a helpless baby, this almighty Word is a warrior who brought death, “while the whole creation was fashioned anew.” Jesus tells a parable of a widow (voiceless) who uses both voice and persistence to wear down a wicked judge. Pope John XXIII called Vatican II so that we might find new images and language to clothe ancient truths and this parable is a good example. Only when the voiceless (the poor, women, other outcasts) began to find their voice did they re-interpret the parable. God is not the unjust judge. God is in solidarity with the voiceless. God is the widow crying to us, the unjust judges of who is right, who is wrong, who is in, who is out. God identifies with the poor and helpless of this world.
We began the week hoping to view ourselves and others as temples of the Holy Spirit, not judging ourselves or others, but appreciating the Spirit within. How did you do with that reverencing—or were you just as or more judgmental of yourself and others?
Pray for the gift of not judging the motives of others.
A new heart create in us, O God. An accepting spirit renew within us. Thank you for choosing the poor and voiceless to convert us from our self-righteousness.