Luke 18:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord has spoken of trials and perils, yet He also provides a means of alleviation. This means is prayer—more than mere prayer, it is unwavering and fervent prayer. As He states, "all these things" occurred to the people of that time; nevertheless, they received significant assistance through prayer, which we are called to engage in persistently and patiently, reflecting on how the persistent pleas of the widow prevailed over the unjust judge. If even one filled with malevolence and devoid of reverence for God or humanity could be moved by consistent entreaty, how much greater is the likelihood that we will be granted mercy by the generous Father, even if His response seems delayed?

The ultimate source of all blessings is Christ, "who of God was also made unto us wisdom," for in Him we receive understanding and are enriched with spiritual gifts. A wise individual recognizes that the understanding of those principles through which we can achieve holy perfection and grow in virtue is a divine gift, truly deserving of our acceptance. We encounter someone who has sought this from God, asking, "Show me thy ways, O Lord, and teach me thy paths." While there are many avenues that lead to an upright life, one particularly beneficial practice is prayer, which our Saviour taught us through the parable we are exploring: "For He told them a parable, He says, to the effect that men should always pray and not grow weary."

He shared a parable regarding the importance of persistent prayer, emphasizing the need to pray continually, both day and night, and at the right moments. He urged them not to lose heart or become weary in their supplications.

Christ, the divine legislator and Sovereign of all, instructs us to "Stand fast at all times praying" and shares the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:2-7), highlighting the necessity of unwavering prayer and perseverance. The apostles and teachers, in unity with this teaching, guide each of us in the same manner. One of the revered Fathers of the Church, reflecting on his later years, remarked: "In my youth, I did not set a specific time for prayer; for me, every moment was an opportunity for service." The holy fathers, recognizing our limitations, established specific times and hours for prayer to gently guide us, ensuring we remain committed to this practice.

To pray "at all times" (Eph. 6:18), "always" (Luke 18:1), and "continually" (1 Thess. 5:17) does not imply the necessity of reciting formal psalms or written prayers constantly. This is unfeasible since every believer has responsibilities aligned with their calling, and the body, being weary, requires rest, sleep, and other necessities. Rather, it signifies the act of frequently directing one’s thoughts and emotions toward God, expressing a longing for His mercy, assistance, and protection throughout every venture and task. The rationale behind this need becomes clear when recognizing that at any moment, adversaries like Satan and his malevolent agents plot against us, and the flesh perpetually opposes the spirit (see Galatians 5:17).

In this context of challenging times, the Lord recognized the necessity to fortify His disciples with the assurance that their struggles would be temporary. God will soon safeguard His elect, but they are called to pray without ceasing. He shared a parable illustrating how persistent entreaties can compel even the unjust to grant the wishes of those who seek.

The primary purpose of this parable was to instruct the disciples that they should consistently engage in prayer and remain steadfast (v. 1), even amid the profound hardships that the Lord had predicted would arise during the transitional period from the Old to the New Testament. If an unjust judge, one who had no reverence for God and showed no regard for people, ultimately granted the persistent appeal of a widow, how much more will the compassionate and righteous God defend His chosen ones who plead to Him day and night for assistance during the trials that will befall humanity before the return of the Son of Man? Even if His response seems delayed, He uses such moments to test their faith and reliance on Him.

At the conclusion of His discourse on the kingdom of God, Jesus expressed the importance of persistent prayer and maintaining hope. His directive to consistently pray and not lose faith has led some interpreters to view these words as a summary crafted by the Evangelist following the parable that ensues. However, this interpretation is arguably flawed. Luke, serving solely as the chronicler of accounts relayed to him by those who witnessed and served the Word from the beginning (Luke 1:2), did not convey personal viewpoints concerning the events he described; thus, it stands to reason that he remained consistent in his approach to narrating the Gospel. Additionally, if we examine the passage in Luke’s Gospel stating, “speaking the parable of the judge in a certain city...

The impoverished whom He shared the good news with, the sightless whom He restored their vision, the ill whom He healed, and the wayward whom He pursued and redeemed—all gathered around their kind Shepherd and divine healer with heartfelt and eager appreciation. He offered hope and blessings in myriad ways to all who are weary and burdened. In the story of the persistent widow, He imparted the importance of faith and demonstrated that steadfast and fervent prayer is bound to be fulfilled.

The term "also" and the subsequent explanation of the parable's purpose, along with its application to the disciples in later verses (Luke 18:7, 8), indicate a significant relationship with the Lord’s earlier statements about His return. That return will be a challenging time; however, there is no reason to lose heart. Instead, it is essential to engage in constant prayer, and the Lord will listen to such prayers, safeguarding His chosen ones during times of judgment and distress. The directive to "pray always and not lose heart" encapsulates the intent and principal message of the parable. To "always pray" suggests maintaining a heart inclined toward prayer; yet, within this context, it emphasizes fervent supplication during moments of widespread suffering.