Would I Have Called Her Difficult?

A reflection on Luke 18:1–8 for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time.

The widow in Jesus’ parable keeps coming back. She wants justice, and the judge has no interest in giving it to her. Eventually, he acts because he is tired of hearing from her. His motives are poor. Her persistence gets her heard.

I admire her when I read the Gospel. I might not be quite so admiring if she were standing at a microphone, raising the same concern at a community meeting. I might think she should give it a rest. I might quietly be wishing that she would choose a gentler tone or bring it to a conclusion..

That is uncomfortable for me  to admit. I know how easily a woman becomes “difficult” when she keeps asking a question people don’t want to hear. If her complaint concerns a person or program I respect, I may start looking for reasons to doubt her. I notice her anger before I think about what has made her angry.

A demand for justice interrupts things. Someone may have to explain a decision, return money, or admit that a complaint was mishandled. I may have to reconsider what I thought. It is easier to wish the conversation would become pleasant again. But pleasant for whom? The person seeking justice is clearly uncomfortable with the situation..

I need to listen carefully and consider what she is saying. I can resist joining the collective sigh when someone raises the issue again. Perhaps she is repeating herself because no one has ever really answered. Listening doesn’t mean the dispute will be settled, but she deserves a fair hearing.

Jesus tells this parable so his disciples will keep praying without losing heart. God is not a judge who must be worn down into doing right. He gives the widow’s cry somewhere to go. As I say my own prayers, I should become more willing to hear the person whose cry makes me uncomfortable..

Lord, hear those who are still waiting for justice. Give them strength, and help me listen without rushing to defend what feels familiar. Show me what I can do, especially when helping will cost more than agreeing in principle. Amen.