Then he told them 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?”
Jesus presents the Parable of the Persistent Widow to illustrate the necessity of persistent prayer and the reliability of God’s justice. He begins by stressing the need for unceasing prayer (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17). In this teaching, prayer is more than asking for specific outcomes; it is an ongoing relationship with God that sustains and strengthens the faithful, especially during trials.
The judge, characterized by a lack of reverence for God and respect for people, represents moral corruption and indifference to justice. He symbolizes those in society who hold power but fail in moral responsibility. By contrast, the widow embodies vulnerability and social marginalization, as widows in ancient Israel often relied on communal support (Deut. 10:18, Isa. 1:17). Her persistent pleas for justice from a seemingly indifferent authority represent the believer’s ongoing prayer despite challenges. Though the judge initially resists, he eventually concedes—not from compassion but out of self-interest. Jesus contrasts this with the loving response of God, highlighting the paradox: if even an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will a just and compassionate God answer His faithful (cf. Mt. 7:11)?
Jesus emphasizes God’s readiness to help “His chosen ones,” who remain faithful to His covenant. Though believers may feel abandoned when justice is delayed, God’s justice is assured. While His timing may differ from human expectations, God’s justice will be perfectly fulfilled at the appointed time. Jesus challenges His followers to persevere in faith amid tribulations and silence, trusting that God will not abandon them. He calls them to wait faithfully for God’s ultimate victory over evil with resilient faith, confident in His promise of justice.
Almighty God, grant us the faith to pray without ceasing and the courage to trust in Your perfect justice. Strengthen our hearts to seek You with persistence, especially in times of trial. May we never lose hope, knowing that You hear the cries of Your people and respond in love. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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