We often isolate the need to persist from the experience of oppression. But it is the demand for justice that fuels it.
It is easy to root for a widow driving a judge crazy with her persistence. We love celebrating “the little guy” in their struggle. We also love celebrating this as an act of individual faith. This persistence, however, is also an act of resistance.
It is easy to recognize the individual and her claim before an individual judge. Much like we can watch a movie about a corrupt cop or a bought judge and think they are just one bad apple. No worries about the bunch.
But the story is not to reflect a unique and uncommon experience. It is a teaching for all of the poor who face injustice throughout their lives from a system that would break them down.
So this is quite literally about keeping the faith in the midst of adversity.
Showing persistence when others would have you stop to outlast their own resistance is a common need. And a reflection of hope.