Posted by The WORD in Other Words by Fr Eugene Docoy SVD (Philippines) for Saturday Week 32 in Ordinary Time
Gospel
Lk 18:1-8
Celebrating the Holy Eucharist in a regional trial court in Cebu City one day, I was given both the table (as a makeshift altar) and the chair used by the presiding judge in court hearings. That experience made me think of the heavy responsibility of a judge to listen to testimonies of witnesses, weigh the evidence presented and come up with a just decision fair to both sides of a case.
In my conversation with judges, they say they have to be attentive to all arguments and be meticulous in looking at evidence before they hand down a judgment based on applicable laws of the land. Unfortunately, there are many judges that are not motivated by truth but by personal interests.
The Philippines is not exempted from this malpractice. Many innocent individuals are locked up behind bars, while criminals roam around in freedom looking for their next victim. Even imprisoned convicted criminals are free to practice criminal activities inside jails.
In the gospel, Christ uses a parable to encourage us to fight judicial corruption by way of persistently holding to what is true and just without fear. God who knows what is true, right and just will ultimately “secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to Him day and night.”
Just like the widow in the parable, those who stand by the truth, justice, mercy and compassion prevail.
thank you for thinking, writing, and posting this!