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29th Sunday in Ordinary TimeThe Gospel story for the 29th Sunday in ordinary time focuses on the value of persistent prayer. The parable of the widow and the judge provides rich resources for exploring prayer with the participants in the Celebrating the Lectionary program. While the curriculum uses the same theme and purpose at every age level, the approach is always age appropriate. The following materials provide an example of the diversity.On the primary level, the catechist uses puppets, while the children provide the chant, to tell the story of "The Woman and the Judge." There once was a poor woman who lived all by herself. Her husband had died and she had no children. She worked very hard to give herself food and a home. One day somebody refused to pay her for her work! She wanted help! She needed to tell someone! She needed to be heard! She wanted justice! And so she went to the Judge's house. She said: (Have the children say her chant.) "Let me in. Listen to me. I need you help, Judge. Hear my plea." (Judge puppet should be facing away from the woman.) Well, that Judge didn't even go to the door! Why should he? He said: (Have children say his chant.) "I will not open my door to you... I have more important things to do!" -- and so the story continues until Finally the Judge had heard enough. Would she never give up? Would she always persist? So he opened the door and let her in. (Face puppets.) He listened to her problem, and he helped her fix it! And the woman who persisted was heard and helped. Justice was done! On the Junior/Senior level the story opens up a discussion on prayer and the value of persistence. The youth are given the challenge of identifying a justice issue and making it the focus of their prayer for one week. By daily and specific journaling the youth can see the progress of their prayer and of their own perceptions of prayer. Prayer Journal for JusticeIn high school we did an experiment where, for one week, we were asked to write down all our dreams. I kept a dream journal beside my bed. When I woke up from a dream (in the middle of the night or in the morning), I wrote down what I remembered. It seemed like I had more dreams than usual that week! What I think really happened was that I became more aware of my dreams, and through my dreams I became more aware of what I was thinking and feeling. I believe something similar happens when we approach prayer intentionally. When we do it consciously, we become more aware of that spiritual "side" of ourselves, and through our prayers we become more aware of God.Try keeping this prayer journal for a week. The reflection questions and prayer suggestions below might help you focus your prayers. Use the space to record some of your thoughts throughout the week by writing or drawing. DAY ONEReflect: What is the justice issue you are praying about? How do you think God feels about it?Prayer suggestion: Write God a letter just as if you were writing a letter to a friend who shares your concern about this injustice. DAY TWOReflect: Are there specific people you can pray for who are affected by this injustice?Prayer suggestion: Make a list of names or write down descriptions of people affected by this injustice. As you say a prayer for each, try to visualize them. DAY THREEReflect: In what parts of your community, country, or world is this injustice an issue?Prayer suggestion: Write down the names of places where people are experiencing this injustice. Pray for each place. DAY FOURReflect: What has happened since you began praying about this injustice?Prayer suggestion: Scan the news for items that might relate to the injustice you are praying for. Pray for specific issues which might be raised in the article. DAY FIVEReflect: How do you think God responds to prayer?Prayer suggestion: Prayer is two-way communication. We communicate with God and God communicates with us. Begin your prayer by sitting in silence for a few minutes. Take some deep breaths in and out. Concentrate on being open to God's Spirit. DAY SIXReflect: What has the experience of daily prayer for this injustice been like for you?Prayer suggestion: Draw an image to represent your feelings about this experience of praying for this injustice. Choose different colors to represent any changes or progression in your feelings during the week. For additional information about Celebrating the Lectionary, contact one of our educational consultants at 1-888-273-7782. What do YOU Think?
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