Pentecost 19C – Lectionary 29
Mt. Calvary, Eagan, MN
Luke 18.1-8
One of my favorite books is actually a series of books, Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien. I guess you’d call them fantasies because they not only involve humans, but also elves, dwarves, wizards, orcs, talking trees and a host of other creatures including hobbits. Hobbits are kind, peace-loving beings who live in round houses built into hillsides and are known for having “second breakfasts.” The overall storyline is that there is a powerful ring that is too powerful for anyone to wield and that it must be destroyed where it was forged, the bowels of Mt. Doom in the land of Mordor. Frodo, a hobbit, has come into possession of the ring and it is determined he is the one to make the journey to Mt. Doom in Mordor to destroy the One Ring. The ring is a burden and the closer he gets to Mordor, the heavier it gets and the harder the journey.
Today we are “back to our regularly scheduled programming” after the Stewardship Campaign. We are reminded that we are in the long, green season of Pentecost that invites growth in discipleship, of what it means to follow Jesus. However, we must also remember that Jesus is on the road to the cross, a journey begun in Luke 9.51when he “sets his face toward Jerusalem.” As we hear today’s text and the ones in the next few weeks, we may also wonder if Jesus is getting crankier the closer he gets to Calvary on Golgotha, much like Frodo tires as he gets closer to Mt. Doom in Mordor. More likely, though, is that he is preparing his disciples for their long road in following him, a journey that won’t always be easy.
So, this parable seems to be straight forward, addressing the persistence needed in the midst of difficulties. Just before this parable, Jesus describes the Kingdom of God and makes a startling statement to his followers: the Kingdom of God is within you (or among you). That’s eye-catching because we normally think of the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven as something that comes in the future at the Consummation. Yet, it’s helpful to remember that Gospel writer Luke writes to a post-resurrection community that is dealing with the oppression of empire and persecution by various groups. We also remember that widows are the most vulnerable in society, along with orphans.
The themes of persistence are echoed in other readings. I love Psalm 121 not only because it gives assurance among life’s perils but because it declares that the hills, which were not a source of comfort to ancient travelers, now become a sign of God’s protection. In Genesis 32 Jacob has the temerity to wrestle with God and prevails, demanding a blessing before he’ll let God go. And 2 Timothy encourages us to continue the work of ministry in the midst of struggle.
So, it appears that this parable is a comfort for those in distress and encouragement to persevere. That is, until Jesus throws a curveball at the end with this twist, “Will the Son of Man find faith on the earth?” Here’s where it’s helpful to remember that parables are not puzzles to be solved; rather, they are mysteries to be entered. Parables are meant to open us up rather than be opened. Parables encourage outside-the-box thinking, to stretch our theological imaginations so that we can live the life God intends for us. So, perhaps we can imagine that the widow is not as helpless as we assume and what that might mean for us. Or, if you really want a mind-bender, what if we consider ourselves as the unjust judge?
What we are reassured today God is often hidden and working within the dark places and we may not always see it. This is no rose-colored glasses spin to make us feel better. As I was reading sociologist Brené Brown’s new book, Strong Ground, I was reminded of an interview that business guru Jim Collins had with Admiral James Stockdale recounted in his book, Good to Great. Stockdale was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for almost eight years and was tortured almost 20 times yet he worked tirelessly to encourage and give hope to the other POWs. Collins asked Stockdale a tough question, “Who didn’t make it out?” That’s easy, Stockdale replied, “The optimists.” That became known as the Stockdale Paradox. The ones who didn’t make it put an artificial deadline on when they would be freed. “We’ll be out by Christmas.” We’ll be out by Easter.” Those dates would come and go bringing demoralization. Here’s the point as explained by Stockdale: “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end – which you can never afford to lose – with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they may be.” Brené Brown calls this “gritty faith and gritty facts.”
In one of my former congregations, I received a call from one of the local funeral directors asking me if I would do a funeral for a non-member. The deceased considered himself a Lutheran but was not attached to a particular congregation. The funeral director went on to explain an additional request. They wanted a Lutheran pastor who wouldn’t preach to them. The director added, “So I thought of you.” (I assumed there was a compliment in that statement somewhere.) Of course I agreed and we made arrangements for me to visit with the family.
As I was going to meet them I was wondering how I could bring God into the conversation and proclaim the good news of Jesus in this situation. When I arrived at the house I was surprised to realize that they were already talking about God. In fact, I realized that God was already there when I arrived. God shows up before we do and stays long afterward. This is the message of the cross, that in the midst of the worst that life throws at us, and even especially in the worst that life throws at us, God is there. Today’s parable invites us to persist in faith and trust that God is working even when we can’t see it. Even though at times we feel like the proverbial fly smacking a window.
If you are discouraged by injustice, do not lose heart and know that God hears you when you pray. God not only invites us to pray but promises to answer. If you are engaged in the struggle against political strife know you don’t do so in vain. I am heartened in this work by faithful examples such as St. Monica who prayed17 years for her son St. Augustine’s conversion. Augustine is one of the theological lights of the Christian church. But beware: persistent prayer is as sneaky as parables because it challenges and changes us as much as it does God.
Finally, know that we don’t go on this journey alone. Frodo was accompanied by his good friend Sam, with help from a host of other supporters and from places he didn’t expect. There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Mount Calvary is a great place to “go together.” And just as we come to the table of Holy Communion by faith for faith, we also pray by faith for faith. God’s presence, persistent prayer, the Lord’s Supper, and community keep us going.
My siblings in Christ, as you travel the journey of following Jesus, may you have gritty faith as you face the gritty facts of our lives, knowing that God is working, you are not alone, and strengthened by Christ's presence.. Amen.
