Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr, November 12, 2022

 Gospel : Lk 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable

about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. 

He said, “There was a judge in a certain town

who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 

And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,

‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,

‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 

because this widow keeps bothering me

I shall deliver a just decision for her

lest she finally come and strike me.’” 

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones

who call out to him day and night? 

Will he be slow to answer them? 

I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. 

But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

 Reflections: 

When I was making my retreat at 'Bodhini", the director gave us a new understanding of this parable. He compared the widow to the senses and the unjust judge to the mind. It took the persistence of the widow to discipline the judge! The senses control the mind. If the senses are persistent then the mind can be brought under control, but repetition is necessary , implying persistence. Prayer is possible only when the mind is disciplined, like the unjust judge, went  on and finally did a just act of compassion, under the influence of the persistence of the controlling act of the senses. Meditation and repitition of a mantra, leads to the control of the mind, and a apex point of thoughtlessness! 

 Activity:

Decide to pray persistently for a particular intention, and await the results. 

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