WC 20/10 PERSISTANCE

We take this theme from the Gospel reading of the

29th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

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GATHER

+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When have you been persistent?

When something is difficult, do you give up or keep going?

WORD

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke: Glory to you O Lord.

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 the judge 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?’

The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSE

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a very challenging situation. It’s the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow. The judge is powerful and corrupt. He “neither feared God nor cared about men.” The widow, on the other hand, is completely powerless. She had no money, no influence, and no protection. Yet, she had a plea: "Grant me justice against my opponent."

The judge ignored her, not once, but over and over again. But this widow would not give up. She kept coming, day after day, week after week. She was so persistent that the judge finally gave in, not because he cared about justice, but because he was simply worn out! He says, “Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not finally come and attack me!”

Jesus tells this story to illustrate a single, powerful point: If an unjust and uncaring judge eventually gives in because of sheer human persistence, how much more will a loving and just God listen to His children?

This passage is not meant to imply that God is reluctant or hard to convince. Rather, it is an encouraging call to never give up on prayer and on our faith. When we pray persistently, our focus shifts. It is not about changing God’s mind; it is about changing our own hearts.

Persistence in prayer develops deep virtues within us. It cures us of impatience and teaches us to truly trust God's timing, not just our own. When we keep asking, we are saying, "I still believe. I still have hope." This kind of persistence is a demonstration of true faith. It is the belief that God hears us, even when the answer feels delayed.

So, when life is hard, when your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, or when you are working toward a goal that feels impossible—remember the persistent widow. God is a loving Father, not an unjust judge. He is urging you to keep knocking, keep seeking, and keep asking. Your persistence is a testament to your faith, and that faith will always be rewarded.

How does Jesus’ message challenge or comfort you?

MISSION

Think of a way you can be more persistent in faith and prayer?

COLLECT

Let us pray…

Almighty ever-living God,

grant that we may always conform our will to yours

and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.