Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost 2025 Persistence in Prayer: A Reflection on Faith, Hope, and Justice Luke 18:1-8 Revd. Neli Miranda Throughout the Old Testament, the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger are consistently identified as vulnerable groups deserving of special consideration. They are presented not merely as objects of pity, but as recipients of God’s direct care and protection. The Law of Moses contained strict statutes for their defense. In God’s eyes, it was crucial that their legal rights were not ignored, as Deuteronomy 24:17 commands: “You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow’s garment in pledge”. Specific instructions were also given for communal care, such as setting aside a portion of the tithe to support these groups (Deuteronomy 14,28-29). Ultimately, God Himself is their defen...