Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

HOW DO YOU PERCIEVE GOD?

DEVOTION
In Jesus’ time, a woman without a husband had no income, no status and no rights. How could she expect justice by calling upon a corrupt and heartless judge?

Today, we also are so accustomed to hear about corruption and cases of flagrant Injustice that many of us have become cynical and defeatist— ‘Nothing will change. It’s useless…’

Jesus is not comparing God to this corrupt judge; rather, he emphasized that this poor widow finally gained what she asked for through her persistence. In the same way, if we are convinced that God loves us and will speedily intervene for us, how much more will we keep on praying with faith for our needs. The tax collector also felt insignificant. He was not a religious man and considered himself a sinner. Nevertheless, he came in total humility looking for mercy, trusting that God is a forgiving God. He returned home justified unlike other self-righteous people. The way you perceive God, and your relationship to him, determines whether you will keep on praying and receive his help, or if you will easily get discouraged.

FOR REFLECTION
• Is God too busy for you or is he eager to listen and respond to your needs?
• Are you too unimportant to disturb God or do you see yourself as a beloved child of God?
• Keep praying all the time. Don’t give up. Your persistent faith will be rewarded.
• When you approach God, check your heart and motives. Come with humility. Make sure you approach God with the righteousness that comes through believing in
Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
O dear God, thank you for reminding me that you are a merciful and loving God. You take pleasure when you hear me calling you promptly reach out, granting me your presence, your grace and all I need. What a wonderful God you are. I will praise you forevermore.