Learning from the persistent widow - OSV News

Learning from the Persistent Widow

The believer should imitate the persistent widow, also referred to as "importunate".

According to Luke, the purpose of this parable is to teach the disciples to "pray always without becoming weary" (Lk 18:1).

This lesson follows Jesus' discussion on the coming of the kingdom, where he states that the time is near "when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it" (Lk 17:22).

The current state is one of anticipation, where the kingdom is both already present and yet to come.

As

the proper disposition of the disciple is to pray without losing heart, without giving up
, the believer should imitate the persistent widow.

This parable may also be intended to be humorous.

Author's summary: Imitate the persistent widow.

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OSV News OSV News — 2025-10-18