Twenty-nineth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 16th October 2022
Lectionary readings: Genesis 32 v22-31; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3 v14-4 v5; Luke 18 v1-8.
Present or Future?
Luke recalls a story that Jesus told his disciples about a crooked judge and a persistent widow in order to illustrate how the disciples should keep on praying and never give up. (Luke 18 v1-8a).
Then Luke quotes Jesus as asking a question that appears to be out of place.
“But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith?” (Luke 18 v8b).
Was this really something Jesus said at the time or has Luke lost the plot? He seems to be asking a ‘post resurrection’ question at a time in his gospel narrative when Jesus (aka, the Son of Man) is on his way to Jerusalem for the final time.
If this is really what Jesus said, then his comment about the ‘Son of Man’ coming relates to himself and the present (The first century). He is asking if there are any faithful people about, people (including the disciples) who can evidence their faith by their persistent prayers.
If this is Luke posing a post resurrection question, then it is directed at us, his readers, and applies to our time. Do you know of people who are faithful in prayer? Are you one of them?
Hymn writer Joyce Webb gives voice to those who struggle with their prayer life.
(Singing the Faith No 522).
I should like to speak to you, for I know you’re there!
Every time I try, I find it’s hard to make a prayer.
Could you see what I’m thinking and know that it’s a prayer?
Could you look into my heart and find a welcome there?
Could I bring you all my hopes and dreams, my moments of despair?
Could you take what I am thinking and find that it’s a prayer? A prayer!
Lots of things I’d like to say, seem to disappear,
and I don’t feel sure that they’re the things you’d want to hear!
If I get it wrong sometimes, help me know you’re there,
listening to me patiently, and you want my prayer!
Hymn writer Jenny Hewer has no such doubts. She writes,
(Singing the Faith No 519 v1,2).
Father, I place into your hands the things I cannot do.
Father, I place into your hands the times that I’ve been through.
Father, I place into your hands the way that I should go,
for I know I always can trust you.
Father, I place into your hands my friends and family.
Father, I place into your hands the things that trouble me.
Father, I place into your hands the person I would be,
for I know I always can trust you.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English version.