Monday of the Second Week of the Great Lent

The Gospel according to St. Luke (18:1-8)

  ””Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”“

    The beginning of the Holy forty days, the beginning of fasting and prayer. It requires a feeling of extreme need, there is no place to pray with lukewarmness or as a routine. Or like doing homework

    The poor widow was pressed by need, and became helpless in front of a forceful opponent, humiliating her and oppressing her unjustly and she had no means or help. She resorted to the ruler that he  may do justice by her.

    My soul has fallen under the injustice of this opponent. I’m weak in front of his oppression. Defeated with no means of survival.

    Her struggle with the opponent was always on his terms.

    Now I  can plead before a judge. He is the supreme justice, and he should have ultimate fairness. I cry to you, sir, defend me and save me from my opponent  

    The unjust judge did not want to do anything for her for a long time.

    As for you, sir, you listen to the cry of the poor, you are waiting in patience for a reason and wisdom that I do not understand. I’m crying to you day and night.. And I stand in front of you begging, pleading and praying. I believe that you hear my requests, and my prayers are presented in front of you.

    The unjust judge said: Because this woman bothers me, I will get up and do fairly by her. He was tired of her crying and complaining, and from his distress he did her justice.

    Lord.. It's not like that with You, You are the ultimate love and mercy. You are The Savior of the poor from who is stronger than him, and the oppressed and the weak from the oppressor.  You manage to do this in Your perfect time. You get up and overcome.. Your right hand is powerful, and full of strength.. I cry to You day and night.. Give me to cry with all my heart.  The matter is not just words or anyone who says to you: O Lord, O Lord.

    Save me from boredom in my plea. In order to always raise my request of prayer to You, without seizing until I hear from Your mouth the word that heals me. Your word is full of everything that is true, and Your appointments are true, without which the heavens and the earth disappear. Create in my heart the hope for eternal life. And provide me to trust You like those who got their requests answered.

    And when I realize my reality, let me come to You alone, only You.. Because my issues cannot be handled by anyone, but You.. My opponent is stubborn and harsh and has no mercy. And my soul is weak and inclined to evil. And I was almost despaired by the many sufferings. I beg You save me from my opponent

    In front of Your Seat of judgment I stand, You are the True Judge. You are the Just Judge.. You are my savior and You are my Judge.. You see me crying at you in the days of my carnal life. And when my soul comes out of the body, I can stand in front of Your fearful seat of judgment with confidence and I am not ashamed of You in Your coming.

Fr. Louka Sidarous

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