Luke 18:3 — Community Reflections

LUKE 18:3 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.”

And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, grant me justice against my adversary — the widow who kept coming: the persistent, repeated coming is the parable's mechanism. The widow is the most socially vulnerable person in the ancient world — no husband, no male protector, no political influence. Grant me justice against my adversary: the specific legal plea.

Church Fathers on Luke 18:3

Our Lord having spoken of the trials and dangers which were coming, adds immediately afterward their remedy, namely, constant and earnest prayer.
Theophylact · 11th century

He who has redeemed you, has shown you what He would have you do. He would have you be instant in prayer, He would have you ponder in your heart the blessings you are praying for, He would have you ask and receive what His goodness is longing to impart. He never refuses His blessings to them that pray, but rather stirs men up by His mercy not to faint in praying. Gladly accept the Lord’s encouragement: be willing to do what He commands, not to do what He forbids. Lastly,…
Chrysostom · 4th century

We should say that he is always praying, and faints not, who never fails to pray at the canonical hours. Or all things which the righteous man does and says towards God, are to be counted as praying.
Bede · 8th century

Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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