Jesus lived in a patriarchal society.  A woman depended upon a man to protect her rights—a father, a husband, a son.  A widow could be in a particularly vulnerable position.  We often hear of them as among the poor in the Jewish teaching of the Old Testament as well as in the heart of Jesus.  The Gospels offer us the story of the widow with the hemorrhage, and the widow of Nain, and widow who offers her mite.  Jesus has great sympathy for this marginalized group, and he acts on their behalf.  The Gospel of Luke invites us to consider the parable of a widow who needs legal help.

A judge, also found in the story, stood on the other side of the power spectrum from the widow.  Always a man and a powerful figure, he helped interpret the Law and made important judgments between peoples.  A judge would be a well-established individual who had significant influence.  The judge whom we hear about in today’s Gospel is not a very attractive character.  Twice he insists that he neither fears God nor respects any human being.  The only matter of concern for him rests in his own well-being.  We note that he finally makes his decision on behalf of the widow because of this focus on his own protection.

In the parable, we recognize that the widow does not seek charity nor does she want to take advantage of someone else.  The story consistently emphasizes her seeking justice.  “Render a just decision for me” is her constant cry.  When the judge leaves his house in the morning, she appears: “Render a just decision for me.”  When he sits in his office, she stands outside the window: “Render a just decision for me.”  When he goes to lunch, she positions herself at another table: “Render a just decision for me.”  When he heads home at night: she meets him on the way, “Render a just decision for me.”  And, finally, he does.

What has won the day is not an influential intervention, not a sophisticated argument, not a petition with a thousand signatures.  Simple perseverance and clarity of message have carried the widow’s plea to victory.  She did not have much on her side, but what she had, she used.  And God blessed her efforts.

We like stories like this.

When we reflect on the importance of our work, this story can offer a particular lesson for us.  We hear the call to be perseverant.  We want to be faithful to prayer as well as our other responsibilities.  We want to carry them out with dedication to the best of our abilities and with clarity of intent.  “I am doing this task for the good of the community, in the service of the poor, and in obedience to God’s plan for the Church.”  Our regular efforts contribute to our common task and aim at ensuring support and providing justice for those who are oppressed.  Simplicity and perseverance should characterize the way that we pray and the way that we live in consistent virtue.

Vincent teaches us:  “Perfection consists in a constant perseverance to acquire the virtues and become proficient in their practice.” (CCD 2, p. 146)