Exodus 17:8-13 Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 Luke 18:1-8 A reflection on todays Sacred Scriptures: Our first reading today shows us why the priest holds his hands up in the air as he prays at Mass. In this Old Testament passage from Exodus, the Amalekites are trying to stop the Israelites on their journey through the desert. At Gods command, Moses goes up a mountain and prays with hands raised high. The Israelites prevail over their enemies for a time. After a while, Moses gets tired and lowers his hands. Immediately Amalek and his army seem to prevail. Aaron and Hur get a stone for Moses to sit on and stand on either side, helping keep his hands aloft. Because of their perseverance, the battle is won. The message for us today is clear: faith and endurance are necessary for success in prayer. We should never stop praying, even if we have to enlist our friends and community to help us persevere! In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples never to lose heart, even if we have to get a bit pushy with God. Put yourself in that judges place. Wouldnt you get annoyed and maybe a little frightened at this obnoxious widow who keeps pestering for a favor? Of course, theres no question that shes in the right and hes in the wrong. When she finally wears him out, he gives in and grants her request. Again, the message for us is very clear. God is urging us to persist in our request until He gives in! Theres only one catch! We have to have a strong faith that He will answer us, and go beyond our timidity. We must go beyond God in persistence, something like the tug-of-war game we played as children. In this gospel, God suggests that Hell be the first one to give in. Now theres an offer we cant refuse! Todays second reading contains the classic passage that guarantees the divine inspiration of both Old and New Testaments: All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) ~ Reprinted with permission from The Journey
Posted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 08:06:18 +0000