In college, I grew to be close friends with a classmate who happened to be an atheist. Because he knew I was Catholic and that faith was a huge part of my life, he often asked me questions. Most were ones you would expect: “How do we know God exists?” “If I can be a good person without religion, why do I need to believe in something greater?” “How is Catholicism different from any other religion?” But over our years of friendship, what struck me most wasn’t just the content of his questions – it was his desire for proof that God was real and active in his life.
He once said to me, “I really wish I could believe in God. Growing up playing soccer, I wanted to win our games so badly that I would pray, ‘If we win today, I’ll know You’re real.’ But then we’d lose, and I’d remember God doesn’t exist – and that even if He did, He wouldn’t care about my soccer game.”
This desire for a visible sign or proof of God’s working in our lives isn’t uncommon – and it’s something today’s Gospel addresses beautifully.
In the parable of the widow and the self-serving judge, we meet a woman who pleads for justice over and over again but is ignored, dismissed. She has no power or status and no one advocating on her behalf. But she refuses to give up – and in the end, even the corrupt judge gives in. Jesus tells us this story not to compare God to the judge, but to contrast them: If even a self-centered, unjust man eventually responds to persistence, how much more will your heavenly Father – who is good, merciful, and just – hear your prayers and respond in love?
Still, we can relate to the widow. We’ve all had moments where our prayers feel unanswered, when we’ve watched injustice go unaddressed. We’ve felt, like my friend did, that God is silent – or maybe doesn’t care at all.
But Jesus encourages us: “Pray always and do not grow weary.” Why? Because God is not an indifferent judge. He is the Merciful Judge – perfectly just, deeply compassionate, always listening. He may not answer on our timeline, or in the way we’d expect, but He always answers in love. And when we persist in prayer – even when it’s hard and we feel like giving up – we allow God to work not only in our circumstances, but to change our hearts.
So if you feel like my friend (waiting for God to prove Himself before you can believe) or like the widow (praying again and again with no clear response) or even like the unjust judge (distracted by pride or selfishness), I invite you to attend our Light of the World Retreat, Nov. 1-3.
It’s a weekend of renewal, reflection, and encounter. You’ll grow in fellowship with our Christ the King community, reconnect with the sacraments, and gain a deeper awareness of God’s steady presence in your life. Most of all, you’ll be reminded that God, the Light of the World, does hear you and that He’s never stopped loving you.
So that when the Son of Man comes, He will find faith on earth – in you.
Peace,
Rianna Doyle
Director of Evangelization & Youth Ministry
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