Pray, & Never Give Up

This weekend, as the Church around the world celebrates World Mission Sunday, the Gospel presents us with the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Jesus tells this story to teach us an essential lesson: We must always pray and never give up.

The widow in the parable has no wealth, no influence, no human power. She represents the poor, the forgotten, the voiceless. The judge, on the other hand, is corrupt, caring neither for God nor for people. By human standards, the widow has no chance of obtaining justice. Yet she does not give up. Her only weapon is persistence. She returns again and again, until the judge finally gives in.

If such persistence can move even a corrupt judge, how much more will God, our Father, listen to the pleas of His sons and daughters? This is the heart of the parable. God is not unjust; God does not tire of us. God hears our prayers, although His answers may come in ways we don’t expect, or at times we don’t expect.

Now, Jesus ends the parable with a searching question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” That is the challenge for us: to keep praying, keep believing, keep witnessing, even when the results are not immediate. On this World Mission Sunday and as we celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, as we journey together as Pilgrims of Hope, we must remember that mission is not exclusive to priests, religious, or people who go to distant places; it is a universal calling for all the baptized. Each of us is sent, and each of us is called to share the light of Christ with the world.

Being pilgrims of hope means living simply, reducing unnecessary needs, building bridges, and walking with others. Mission is not about doing extraordinary things, but about being faithful in ordinary life.

Children and young people live this mission by showing kindness in school and including those left out. Families live their mission by praying together, forgiving one another, welcoming all people as human beings created in the image and likeness of God, and caring for creation. Workers and professionals live their lives with integrity and compassion. The elderly and the sick live a mission by offering their prayers and sufferings for the Church. Priests and religious guide this mission by forming communities of hope and solidarity.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us not tire. Let us persevere in prayer, like the widow. Let us continue on mission, as pilgrims of hope. And may our lives, lived with faith and love, proclaim the Gospel to all creation, even to the ends of the earth.

May the Lord always give you his peace.

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish