Gospel
1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” 6 The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Historical Background
In Jewish society, widows were among the most vulnerable. Without a husband or male advocate, they often had no legal or social standing. The widow in this parable represents the marginalized—those without power or influence.
Judges were appointed to uphold justice according to the Law of Moses. However, corruption was not uncommon, especially under Roman occupation. The judge in this parable “neither feared God nor respected man,” highlighting systemic injustice.
Persistence, especially from a woman, would have been seen as bold—even scandalous. Jesus flips expectations by portraying her persistence as commendable and effective.
Theological Context
Jesus uses contrast to teach—if even an unjust judge grants justice due to persistence, how much more will God, who is just and loving, respond to His people?
This parable is not just about prayer in general, but prayer in the context of waiting for God’s justice and the coming of the Kingdom. The final question—“Will the Son of Man find faith on earth?”—points to the end times and the need for enduring faith.
The widow’s persistence is a model of faith that does not give up, even when God seems silent. It’s a call to trust in God’s character, not just His timing.
Learning Lessons
Jesus explicitly states the purpose of the parable—to encourage continual prayer and perseverance. Unlike the indifferent judge, God is attentive to the cries of His people, especially the vulnerable.
True faith is not just belief, but persistence in the face of delay or silence. God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is never denied. He will act “speedily” in His perfect time.
“The Widow’s Knock”
She knocked on stone with trembling hand,
A voice alone in silent land.
No bribe, no name, no power to sway,
Just hope that justice might repay.
The judge, unmoved by God or man,
Dismissed her plea with cold command.
Yet day by day she came once more,
Her knuckles bruised upon his door.
Until at last, worn down by cries,
He ruled to still her weary sighs.
Not love, but weariness gave way—
Yet God is not like him, we pray.
For every cry that breaks the night,
Ascends to Him, the Lord of Light.
So knock, dear soul, and do not cease—
The Judge of all will grant you peace.
Lord Jesus,
You are a Righteous Judge. You see the cries of the weary, the prayers of the persistent, the tears of those who wait in silence. You are not like the unjust judge— You are merciful, attentive, and just.
Teach me to pray without ceasing, to trust without wavering, to hope without despair. When answers delay, anchor me in Your character. When justice tarries, remind me that You are near.
Strengthen my faith, Lord, that when You return, You may find in me a heart still knocking, still believing, still burning with love for You.
Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel Acclamation
The word of God is living and effective, discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
