Unjust Powerful Judge and Powerless Widow

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty Second Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:1-8*

*First Reading : 3 Jn 5-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6*

*Unjust Powerful Judge and Powerless Widow*

*1) Unjust Judge*

The Gospel calls him by this name. 

He didn't fear God and did not have any respect towards any human beings 

There wasn't justice in his judgment, because he gave judgment according to Hus whims and fancies, and what was beneficial to Him 

That's why he was called unjust judge

*2) The Powerless Widow*

She was powerless, because no one helped her 

Secondly widows were looked down by the society during that time

In fact from all the sides widows were oppressed. Therefore this widow was also considered as powerless widow

*3) Powerful judge loses the battle*

So called powerful, the unjust judge loses the battle because he wanted to get rid of the irritation of this widow

Even though he was so powerful, he could not eliminate or avoid the widow's request

Finally the unjust judge delivers the just judgment to the widow. The unjust judge loses the battle 

*4) The determination of the Widow*

The Gospel says *For a long time the judge was unwilling,*

It means, so many times the widow had requested the judge to deliver the judgment

Practically she was going everyday to ask for justice

She didn't give up her efforts 

She didn't lose hope in getting justice even from a unjust judge

She kept on demanding for justice, in the midst of all hurdles and troubles 

We can imagine the determination and the effort of the widow

Finally it worked in her favour 

*5) The Relationship and the Justice*

The unjust just and the widow in no way related to each other. Yet justice was done 

We are God's Children. Father - Children relationship is found. Moreover, our God is not unjust judge but a loving Father

There is a lot of difference the widow asking for justice from the unjust judge and we the children of God asking for some favours from God

If unjust and unrelated judge could deliver the justice to the Widow, how much more the Our Father would help us in our need. We need to this matter very seriously and be thankful to God 

*6) Constant and Instant*

The widow was know for demanding the justice constantly 

In our relationship to God and in our needs, constant request or prayers work without any doubt 

In our relationship to God, the logic of  instant does not work 

The world runs after instant logic. Everything is instant today 

The instant culture is very powerful. The Gospel of the day calls us to fight against such culture when it comes to our relationship with God

The instant philosophy kills the hope, perseverance, patience, efforts, hardwork, the way of the cross, which is highly against the Gospel values 

In spiritual life there is no instant philosophy. We have constant philosophy 

Am I the victim of instant philosophy in the area of spirituality? 

Am I following the instant philosophy or constant philosophy?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*