A Lesson from the Persistent Widow

Maria V. Gallagher ponders what we can learn from the persistent widow from the parable in today's Gospel.

My mother could pester with the best of them.   

When she was a bride-to-be, she pestered the pastor until he added a handrail to make it easier for the elderly to climb the steps of the church.   

She pestered my father to help out with the kids, and she pestered my teachers to deal with class bullies.   

So I feel as if I personally know the widow profiled in Jesus’ parable today. She is the type of woman who will not take “No” for an answer. There is much to admire in her persistence and patience. She is a model of tenacity — and therefore should be emulated. 

Prayer: Pleading to the One Who Loves Us Most  

When we pray, we are not seeking favor from an unwilling judge. We are pleading with the One Who loves us most, Who always wants what is best for us. He desires justice for us.   

That being said, God’s timing does not always play out along our personal timelines. The word “speedily” may be relative. I recall praying 16 years for a particular outcome. In the end, God answered my prayer in a most spectacular way. I suppose I learned the pestering from my mother.   

Learning From the Persistent Widow

When we are despondent, wondering if things will ever improve, we can take a lesson from the persistent widow. In fact, our faith is most beautifully demonstrated when we continue to pray in the midst of darkness. We seek God knowing that He is always willing to listen to us. His answer may be “Yes,” it may be “No,” or it may be “Wait.”   

The more comfortable we are with our relationship with God, the more accepting we will be of His answer. True peace comes when our desires align with His. This is the path for true happiness. 

What one prayer would you like to take to God today? 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I realize that You know best. Help me to accept your answers to my prayers with a spirit of peace.    

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Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher
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