Prayer, Mercy, and Justice

Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8

The story of the poor widow and the unjust judge makes clear that the task and aim of prayer is about justice and mercy.  The woman has no status in society lacking any connection to a male citizen.  In the eyes of human law she has no rightful claims.  Yet, Jesus refers to the judge as unjust, for in the eyes of God's kingdom the woman does indeed have status.  She has valid claims that cry for justice and redress before all of humanity.

In the eyes of the unjust judge, the woman's pleas are for mercy, not justice due to her status.  He only grants her the claim because he cannot stand being nagged incessantly.  Jesus uses this analogy for us in prayer.  Before God we have no valid claims.  We have sinned and have lost our status in Eden.  Our appeal for forgiveness is not a claim of justice, but one of mercy, which God grants us freely, willingly, and eagerly, unlike the unjust judge.  God gives us all status in the kingdom of heaven.

If we have received such mercy and status before God, then we must not only extend mercy to others in our world.  We must also establish justice for them as well.  The widow represents all poor and marginalized in our world who lack status because men are unjust.  We must pray for justice for them and also provide it for them as well.  Prayer is not about wants and whims.  Prayer is about mercy and justice, and extending both to all in our world.