“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?”
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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 18:1-8
October 19, 2025“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?”
Dear brothers and sisters,
The liturgy of this Sunday invites us to reflect on the importance of perseverance in prayer. The Word of God reminds us that our relationship with the Lord must be constant and filled with trust, even in the midst of difficulties. Today, we are reminded of how prayer strengthens our faith and keeps us connected to God, who always listens to his children.
In the first reading, we see Moses lifting his hands to heaven as the people of Israel battle against Amalek. As long as Moses keeps his hands raised, Israel prevails. When he grows tired, Aaron and Hur support his arms, ensuring victory. This account teaches us that prayer is our connection to the power of God. Victory does not come from our own strength but from God’s faithfulness and our perseverance in seeking him.
The psalm today expresses absolute trust in God, who never grows weary of protecting us. Like the psalmist, we are called to turn to the Lord at all times, knowing that he is always by our side, especially in our struggles.
The Gospel presents the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. The widow, a vulnerable figure, refuses to give up in her pursuit of justice and ultimately persuades the judge to grant her request. Jesus uses this parable to emphasize the importance of praying without ceasing and trusting that God – unlike the unjust judge – always listens and responds to our needs.
This parable offers us three key lessons: Perseverance in prayer: Jesus encourages us not to lose heart, even when it seems like our prayers go unanswered. The persistent widow teaches us that consistency is essential in our relationship with God. The goodness of God: If an unjust judge can be moved by persistence, how much more will our heavenly Father, who is just and full of love, respond to our prayers? We can trust that God will answer in the time and way that is best for us. Faith as the foundation of prayer: Jesus ends the parable by asking, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This challenges us to keep our faith alive, remembering that prayer is not only about seeking answers, but also about strengthening our trust in the Lord.
In our lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable. In those moments, we may feel like the widow – vulnerable and powerless. Yet Jesus assures us that persistent prayer is never in vain. God always hears and acts according to his perfect plan, even if we do not understand his timing.
Today’s word calls us to persevere in prayer, trust fully in God’s goodness and strengthen our faith. Like Moses, the psalmist and the widow, we are invited to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, knowing that he never abandons us. Prayer does not change God but transforms us, making us more receptive to his will.
How can I strengthen my habit of daily prayer? Do I trust that God always listens to and answers my prayers, even when I do not see immediate results? What obstacles prevent me from praying with greater consistency and trust in my life? Brothers and sisters, let us remember that prayer is the bridge that connects us to God’s love and mercy. Let us persevere in faith, like the widow in the Gospel, trusting that the Lord will act in his perfect time.
Amen.