Widows Beautiful Prayer : Render a just decision for me against my adversary.

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season 32nd Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 18:1-8*

*First Reading - Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9*

*Widows Beautiful Prayer : Render a just decision for me against my adversary.*

*1) Just decision and Favourable decision*

The prayer of the widow is beautiful because it speaks about the just decision and not the favourable decision.

There is a lot of difference between a just decision and a favourable decision. 

*2) There is Justice in just decision*

In the prayer of the widow we see that there is a concept of justice. 

Where as there is no justice in favourable decision. In the favorable decision the aspect of justice is over looked and decision is given to the one who is powerful and strong. 

*3) Wordl runs after favourable decision but Gospel speaks about just decision*

Today the world is influenced by the favourable decisions rather than the just decisions. 

At times the powerful, influential, and those who have power can demand for favourable decision than the just decision. 

In the favourable decision, one fundamentally goes against the right of the person and great injustice is done. Which is wrong in the sight of God. 

To deliver one favourable decision, the person has to commit series of wrong things, like giving bribe, false witness, threats, etc. Such things will not help in any way in the long run

*4) Just decisions can be given by a unjust judge, but a just judge will never give a favourable decision*

In the Gospel we have a judge who is unjust and corrupt. 

Such a judge gives a just judgement, which was demanded by the poor widow. 

So it is very clear that even a unjust judge can give a just judgement. 

But a just judge can't give a favourable decision. Just judge can give only a just judge, because favourable judgement by its very nature goes against the nature of just judge. 

*5) For just judgement one needs to work continuously*

We don't know how many times the widow might have come and requested the judge to give the just decision. 

It is very clear that after asking for many times the judge got irritated so that's why the just decision was given. 

So working for just decision is a continuous, and hardworking process. Unless one perseveres in it, it can't be achieved. 

*6) Where do I stand?*

Is my inclination towords just decision or the favourable decision? 

Do I glory in the favourable decision or in the just decision?

Favourable decision's favour is short term and passing. Where as the justice of just decision is everlasting and permanent. Do you believe this? 

What are my tendencies towards favourable decisions and tendencies towards just decisions?

*7) Follower of Christ and just decision*

All those who accept Jesus as Lord and Master supposed to follow the path of just decision and not the favourable decision. 

Just decision benefits all. Favourable decision favours only few. 

*What can I do to follow the just decisions than favourable decision?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*