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A woman prays during Catholic mass inside the Protection of Civilians area inside the United Nations base in Malakal, South Sudan. Some 35,000 people live in the camp, protected by UN peacekeeping troops. They were displaced from Malakal following the outbreak of a civil war in 2013.

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Scripture Reading

Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV)

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

The Text in Its Context

The Scripture we are reflecting on is the Parable of the Persistent Widow. One day, the widow – too poor to influence the judge – approaches him with the only weapon she has: a dogged persistence that will wear the judge down until, out of sheer desperation, he gives her justice. This narrative is unique to the Gospel of Luke and addresses the young woman who was denied her inheritance – probably because she was a woman, and the culture then was patriarchal – but she is symbolic of all those who cry out for justice in the world. This passage follows Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God and is a poignant illustration of the necessity for continual prayer and advocacy in the face of injustice. In the context of patriarchy, where power is often consolidated in male-dominated structures, this parable carries significant implications for challenging oppressive systems and advocating for gender equality.

In the patriarchal society of ancient Judea, women’s roles and rights were limited by social and religious laws. The widow in the parable represents marginalized individuals who navigate oppressive systems, seeking justice despite social barriers. Understanding the social backdrop of gender inequality and marginalization is crucial for interpreting the parable’s message of resistance and persistence against patriarchal oppression. The widow symbolizes resilience and courage in the face of injustice, embodying the marginalized who resist patriarchal systems. Her persistent pursuit of justice challenges the status quo and serves as a model of resistance. The unjust judge represents oppressive structures that perpetuate patriarchy, demonstrating indifference to the widow’s plight. Through these characters, the parable highlights the dynamics of power and oppression inherent in patriarchal societies and underscores the importance of resistance and advocacy.

The theological message of the parable emphasizes God's response to persistent cries for justice. By contrasting the unjust judge with God’s character as a just and compassionate judge, Jesus affirms divine solidarity with the oppressed. This theological framework empowers individuals and communities to resist patriarchal structures and advocate for gender equality. Practical applications of this theology include grassroots activism, legal advocacy, and community organizing aimed at dismantling oppressive systems and promoting social justice. By embodying the spirit of the persistent widow, believers can work towards overcoming patriarchal theologies of resistance and creating a more equitable society.

By highlighting the plight of the persistent widow and her quest for justice, Jesus challenges his followers to actively confront unjust systems and advocate for gender equality. Understanding the social background of gender inequality in biblical times enriches our interpretation of the parable and informs our efforts to overcome patriarchal theologies of resistance today. Through theological reflection and practical action, believers can work towards building a more just and inclusive society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

The Text in Our Context

The Parable of the Persistent Widow offers a profound narrative that underscores the power of persistent prayer and the pursuit of justice. This passage, which highlights the widow’s relentless quest for justice in the face of an indifferent judge, is especially relevant in addressing issues of patriarchy and resistance within the Zambian context and other parts of the world with similar systems. The parable is not just a call for persistent prayer but also a critique of unjust systems, making it a powerful tool for theological reflection and social action against patriarchal structures.

In Zambia, patriarchal systems significantly influence social, economic, and political spheres, often marginalizing women and other vulnerable groups. Widows, like the one in the parable, frequently face discrimination and injustice, such as being denied inheritance rights or subjected to harmful cultural practices. This social reality makes the widow’s plight in the parable resonate deeply within many African countries and the Zambian context. Her persistence and resilience in seeking justice reflect the daily struggles of many women who fight against systemic oppression. For example, women’s advocacy groups in Zambia, such as the Zambia National Women’s Lobby, work tirelessly to combat these injustices, striving to change both laws and societal attitudes.

The unjust judge in the parable, who “neither feared God nor cared what people thought,” symbolizes the entrenched patriarchal systems and authorities that often ignore or perpetuate injustice. This character can be seen as a representation of those in power who uphold patriarchal norms and resist change. In contrast, the persistent widow represents the marginalized who continually challenge these unjust systems. Her relentless pursuit of justice is a model for women and other marginalized groups, demonstrating that persistence and resilience are crucial in overcoming oppression. Women’s organizations and other marginalized people need to rise to the call to advocate for gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

Additionally, the parable asserts that God is a just judge who responds to persistent cries for justice, contrasting divine justice with human indifference. This assurance of divine support empowers marginalized groups to resist oppressive systems. In African countries, where Christianity is a major influence, this message provides a strong theological foundation for challenging patriarchy. It encourages believers to engage in persistent prayer and advocacy, trusting that divine justice will ultimately support their efforts. Practical applications of this theology can be seen in the work of church-based organizations that support women’s rights and address issues such as domestic violence. For instance, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) in Zambia actively engages in social justice initiatives, advocating for policies that promote gender equality and protect the rights of the vulnerable, and this is recommendable and should be appreciated by many.

It is worth noting that this Scripture offers a powerful message of hope, persistence, and divine justice that is particularly relevant in the context of overcoming patriarchy and fostering theologies of resistance. It encourages individuals and communities to persist in their efforts for justice, assured that God hears and responds to their prayers. This parable inspires Zambians and people in many countries to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for a more just and equitable society. By integrating this message into their faith practices, the marginalized can find the strength and motivation to continue their fight against patriarchy, knowing that their persistence aligns with divine justice. The work of various advocacy groups and church-based organizations in Zambia is a testament to this parable’s enduring power in promoting social change and resistance against patriarchal oppression.

Questions

  1. What motivated the persistent widow to keep appealing to the unjust judge, and what can we learn from her determination?
  2. How do the judge’s initial refusal and subsequent change of heart relate to our own experience with prayer and seeking justice?
  3. What theological implications can we draw from the parable regarding God’s response to persistent cries for justice in the face of patriarchal oppression?
  4. How can the message of the parable inspire individuals and communities to resist patriarchal systems and advocate for gender equality?
  5. What practical actions can we take to embody the spirit of persistence and resistance against patriarchal oppression, as exemplified in Luke 18:1-8

Activities

  1. Organise and lead small bible study groups on Luke 18:1-8, exploring how this passage can empower women and marginalized individuals to advocate for themselves
  2. Be deliberate about sharing a quote or verse from Luke 18:1-8 on social media, highlighting its relevance to gender equality. 
  3. Take some moments of praying for the marginalised based on the Scripture under consideration
  4. Develop a community-based initiative to promote gender equality and challenge patriarchal norms through seminars, school programs, and public discussions.

Sources 

Adeyemo, Tokunboh, ed. Africa Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006

Blomberg, Craig L. Interpreting the Parables. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2012.

Bock, Darrell L. Luke: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1996.

Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997.

Marshall, I. Howard. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Exeter: Paternoster Press, 1978.

Nolland, John. Luke 9:21-18:34: Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 35B. Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1993.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the parable of the persistent widow, instil in us the same resilience and determination to overcome patriarchal oppression. Grant us the courage to challenge unjust systems and advocate for gender equality. May we persist in prayer and action, knowing that you hear the cries of the marginalized and work for justice. Empower us to dismantle patriarchal theologies of resistance and build a world where all are treated with dignity and respect. Amen.

About Me

Bright Musonda is a second-year student in theology at the United Church of Zambia University. He is married to Janet Kasenyenda Musonda and together they are blessed with one daughter.