The Gospel for THURSDAY, June 2, 2005 (The Martyrs of Lyons)
Luke 18:1-8
Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town,’ he said, ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone. In the same town there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person, I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face.” ’ And the Lord said, ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’ -- The New Jerusalem Bible. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1995, c1985
Squeaky Wheel
We take this message so very literally that we have engineered it into an injunction to pray continually. Jesus tells us, however, that He is interested in faith.
A Reflection
Jesus often spoke about faith as small as a mustard seed producing amazing results. He caps this parable about [what I have impiously called] "whining prayer" with his ubiquitous question about faith.
I have heard some types of continuous prayer characterized as "mindless mumbling." I've said before that prayer, for me, is much more a silent and listening process, not a whining squeaky wheel. But, to the extent that both styles of prayer indicate faith, I think that Jesus would be satisfied in them.
There is a larger issue, though. When we have faith, we act differently. To the extent that whining prayer takes up time that could be used in the service of our sisters and brothers, is that an activity in which we should engage?
Or should we instead lean on the everlasting arms and step out in faith to love and serve the Lord as we find Him in our sisters and brothers?
The Collect
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that we who keep the feast of the holy martyrs Blandina and her companions may be rooted and grounded in love of you, and may endure the sufferings of this life for the glory that shall be revealed in us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
8:09:25 PM 
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