Today’s Gospel parable has two main protagonists: the unjust judge and the persistent widow. As ordained by God, judges were supposed to be impartial arbiters and champions of the poor, the widows, and the orphans (Ex 22:22; Dt 10:18). But here, the judge is pictured as heartless, one who “neither feared God nor respected any human being” (v 2). He answers the widow’s persistent plea simply to avoid being worn out by her pestering vexations or to avoid losing his “honor” before the people. His attitude is in stark contrast to God’s own: the judge is only forced to give judgment, but God hears the cry of the poor, the widows and the orphans.

The Gospel teaches us valuable lessons on the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. The widow symbolizes the persistence we should have in our relationship with God through prayer. First, persistence in prayer means recognizing our dependence on God. Just as the widow relies on the judge to give her justice, so we should acknowledge that we are dependent on God for everything. This humility is the foundation of our prayer life. Second, persistence in prayer requires patience. The widow does not receive immediate answer to her pleas. Likewise, God may not always grant our requests according to our timetable and expectation. But in God’s time, our prayers will be heard and answered according to his perfect plan. Third, persistence in prayer is an expression of faith. It reflects our trust in a loving and just God. In our persistent prayer, we should seek to align our will with God’s will. Lastly, persistence in prayer should lead us to a deeper relationship with God. It is not just about asking for things; it is about drawing closer to the One who loves us unconditionally. We pray because we believe in God’s love and mercy. After all, we should regard him as our Father, and we are his adopted children in Jesus Christ.

Prayer does not seem so attractive when we do not see quick results. We may think that we are doing something wrong or that God does not hear us. We may even question God’s goodness. But we are wrong when we think in this way. God hears every prayer and he does answer us—but it is in his way and in his timing. Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to teach us to never give up.

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ 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, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 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? 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?”