Commentary

29th Sunday - C
Luke 18:1-8

Faith and Perseverance in Prayer

Most parables that Jesus tells use something positive from our human experience to relate to a similar aspect of God.

Today's parable is of a different kind. It is not a parable that compares similarities. Rather, it contrasts differences. More accurately, it uses the example of a corrupt and self-centered judge to draw the listeners to trust in their God who is just, generous and loving.

With this understanding in the background, St. Luke introduces the parable with the comment, "Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray without becoming weary."

This kind of perseverance presupposes the faith that Jesus asks for in his final question "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

The parable, by contrating the judge and God, invites us to put faith in God who pours out his blessings even before we ask.

Therefore, it is more important that we should pray for the faith to recognize the blessings God already pours out on us than for the perseverance in praying for the things we want or ask for.