Today's Gospel in Art - There was a judge in a certain town

The Parable of the Unjust Judge, by Pieter de Grebber 1628 © Szépmûvészeti Múzeum, Budapest

Gospel of 14th November 2020 - Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. 'There was a judge in a certain town' he said 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I want justice from you against my enemy!" For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, "Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death."'

And the Lord said 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'

Reflection on the Painting

Even though today's reading is often named the Parable of the Unjust Judge, it really is the woman who is at the very centre of the story… and of our painting…

In our reading, we are told how a judge was repeatedly approached by a poor widow, seeking justice. Initially rejecting her demands, he eventually honoured her request. In our painting by Dutch artist Pieter de Grebber, we witness the moment after the judge has given in to the request of the woman. As she is a widow, we see her skilfully painted with a black veil. But she has a white dress underneath, a symbol of hope. Her request was granted and her life is about to change. The judge is pointing at his law books. She is holding a book, closed: her legal matter is closed…

Today's reading not only stresses the importance of constant prayer, but it also brings home the generosity of Our Lord: if an unjust judge answers the pleas of a persistent widow, how much more will God answer our prayers?

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/606

Christian Art - www.christian.art