Gospel in Art: The parable of the unjust judge

Close Quarters, Bronze Sculpture by Tony Cragg, 2006 © Phillips London, 21 October 2020, lot 140

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 16 November 2024
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 sculpture

Today's parable of the unjust judge teaches us about the virtue of persistence. Persistence is the quality of continuing to work toward a goal despite challenges, setbacks, or difficulties. Persistence is a virtue often hailed in the business world. Think of Henry Ford being persistent in building a car for the masses, whilst everyone opposed the idea at the time. Think of Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, who was under pressure from his family to close his small bistro outlet. Think of Simon Cowell, who needed to fold his first venture and move back in with his parents before persisting with a new venture in the music industry. Think of J.K.Rowling, who wrote the first Harry Potter book in 1995. It was initially rejected by twelve different publishers. Think of Walt Disney, who raised $15,000 to launch his business which went bust… All these entrepreneurs were persistent and focussed.

These people all had big dreams and then the drive to achieve what they set out to do. However, the persistence that Jesus is calling us to today is different. Yes, of course we can dream, think big and try to achieve what we set out to do, but the dreams need to be the right ones! These dreams and plans need to be tied in to God's plan that he has for each one of us and for the world. The purpose of today's parable therefore is to encourage us to persevere in our faith against all odds and in the face of adversity or suffering. The widow in our reading persevered, and she achieved what she wanted: leading the judge to act justly.

Tony Cragg's sculpture Close Quarters vividly captures the experience of what it looks like when we are not persistent or focussed, being pulled in all directions. We can see two twisted, elongated faces appearing to pull in opposing directions. This twisting effect can symbolise the mental or spiritual strain we often feel when tackling overwhelming projects. Persistence will align things again, and make everything move in the one direction, with focus.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-18-1-8-2024/