Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel from Luke 18:1-8 gives us a beautiful and powerful message about persistence in prayer and trust in God. Jesus tells the parable of a widow who keeps going to a judge asking for justice. This judge is not a good man—he doesn’t care about people, and he doesn’t fear God. But the widow keeps coming to him, over and over again, until he finally gives in—not because he cares about justice, but because he wants her to stop bothering him!
At first, it may seem strange that Jesus compares God to this unjust judge. But Jesus is not saying that God is like the judge. He is saying: if even a selfish, unjust man can finally respond to persistence, how much more will your loving Father in heaven respond to His children who cry out to Him day and night! This passage gives some points for our reflection:
1. The Power of Persistent Prayer
The widow teaches us not to give up. Life can be hard. Sometimes we pray, and we don’t see answers right away. Sometimes we’re tempted to stop praying, thinking God isn’t listening. But Jesus says: “Pray always and never lose heart.” God may not answer our prayers in the way we expect or in the time we want, but He always hears us. And His timing is perfect. Persistence in prayer doesn’t change God—but it changes us. It builds our faith. It draws us closer to Him.
2. God Is Not Like the Judge
Let’s remember: God is not unjust. He is good, loving, and merciful. He doesn’t answer prayers out of annoyance, but out of love. He knows what we need before we ask. But He still invites us to come to Him, like a child who runs to their parent, again and again. Prayer is not just about getting things from God. It’s about being in a relationship with Him.
3. Faith That Doesn’t Give Up
Jesus ends with a challenging question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” This is a question for all of us. Will we keep our faith strong even when life is difficult? Even when God seems silent? Even when we don’t see immediate answers? The widow in the parable believed that justice would come. Do we believe that God will act in His time?
Let us not lose heart. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep believing.