Today’s parable demonstrates to us that “Justice” as sought on earth often falls short of our aspirations for it. The legal system - when it is invoked at all - is imperfect on its best days, despite the best intentions and hard work of many of its practitioners. I was once called to jury duty and believe that its members worked to be fair and just - but our work was bounded by the efforts of the attorneys and the directions of the judge. The process and steps influenced the outcome of the trial.
Here in Luke, Jesus speaks of a judge who reveals himself to be both uncaring (he does not fear God nor respect humans) and lazy (only finally ruling on behalf of a woman who has repeatedly beseeched him to do so because he fears she may one day become so frustrated as to harm him). We’re told that the judge delivered a just decision for her, but not in a timely way nor one influenced by honorable intentions or process.
Many of us want to know what process steps need to be followed to influence whether our God will deal with us justly and in a timely way - I know I do! Yet Jesus calls us to pray without ceasing; Jesus assures us here that God will see to it that justice is done for (his chosen) speedily. But then he closes the reading with a provocation: when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? I see this last statement as our challenge: Jesus reminds us that it is only our faith that will save us. I can (and do) try to ‘follow the process steps’ - that is, I try to be a good person, to do good things for others, to live out good intentions, to pray regularly (although well short of unceasingly). Jesus reminds his disciples and you and me that our faith is the thing. Our faith allows us to know and trust that God is with us now and forever. That’s the good news I took from the reading today, and pray that it is the good news that will sustain all of us, and make us new in the Kingdon. Amen.
Kimberly Grassmeyer
I’ve been an educator at the postsecondary level for nearly 40 years – both as a Higher Education administrator in Student Affairs work, and as a part-time faculty member – at Creighton University and several other mid-western schools. In the midst of that time, I also worked as a consultant to universities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is my honor to be closing out my professional life at Creighton, where my professional, personal and faith values dance together in an enriching partnership.
As a seeker and a sinner I am wholly imperfect, which is to say I am the human that God created me to be. My faith is often quite strong; at other moments it is shaken to its core. I am not a scholar of the Bible nor do I consider myself to be faithful enough or wise enough to lead others in their faith journey…. which is why (apparently) my gracious colleagues believe that I may have something of value to say to the other seekers in the world! I hope that my thoughts and provocations may in some measure provide perspective, pause, laughter, grace, and some peace to you.
