The Lessons from the Unjust Judge Parable to the Mission Sunday

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Ninth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel :  Lk 18:1-8*

*First Reading : Ex 17:8-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8*

*Second Reading 2 Tm 3:14-4:2*

*The Lessons from the Unjust Judge Parable to the Mission Sunday*

*1) Persistence in Prayer and Mission*

Mission is not a one-time event, but a long, sometimes discouraging journey — especially in places where faith is resisted or Christians are marginalized.

Like the widow, missionaries and evangelizers must persist: praying constantly, preaching patiently, and never giving up hope.

Mission Sunday calls all of us  to support the Church's mission with persistent prayer, just like the widow. 

It reminds us that spiritual fruit often comes after long seasons of sowing in faith.

*2) The Cry for Justice is Part of the Mission*

The widow’s cry — “Grant me justice!” — echoes the cries of people suffering injustice today: poverty, violence, exploitation, and spiritual neglect.

Mission Sunday isn't just about preaching, but also about responding to the cry of the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten — especially in mission territories.

The mission of the Church is both spiritual and social: to proclaim the Gospel and promote justice.

The widow symbolizes the millions who still wait for justice and compassion. 

The Church’s mission must echo her voice — speaking truth to power and bringing hope where it’s most needed.

*3) God Listens – So Must We*

Jesus contrasts the unjust judge with God: If even an unjust man grants justice because of persistence, how much more will God, who is just and loving, respond to His people?

Missionaries trust that God hears their cries and the cries of those they serve.

Mission Sunday reminds us that the heart of mission is listening — to God in prayer and to the suffering in our world.

Are we listening to the “widows” of our time — the voiceless, the poor, the displaced, the spiritually hungry? 

God hears them. Do we?

*4) Everyone is Called to Participate in the Mission*

The widow had no status, power, or voice — yet she persisted. 

Her story shows that even the seemingly powerless have a role to play.

On Mission Sunday, we’re reminded that every Christian is a missionary, not just clergy or foreign missionaries.

Through our prayers, offerings, and daily witness, we participate in the Church’s global mission.

Like the widow, we may feel small — but persistence and faith make us powerful instruments in God’s hands. 

Mission starts with each of us — in our families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

*5) Faith that Perseveres Until the End*

Jesus ends the parable with a sobering question:

“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

This challenges us: Are we living with missionary faith — bold, persevering, and full of hope?

Mission is ultimately about faith that doesn’t give up, even when it sees no immediate results.

Mission Sunday invites us to rekindle our faith and commitment to Christ’s mission, trusting that even small acts of faith and love will bear fruit in God’s time.

*6) Final Thought*

The widow’s persistence is a mirror of the Church’s missionary calling: to pray without ceasing, act for justice, remain faithful, and never lose heart. 

On Mission Sunday, we honor and support those living this call in mission territories — and we are reminded that we, too, share in that mission wherever we are.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*