Readings: Ex 17:8-13; 2 Tim 3:14-4:2; Lk 18: 1-8
Persistence, determination and fighting Amalek, are some of the phrases
that sum up the message of this Sunday. The readings focus on the power of
persistent prayer. Such persistence is the determination to continue in prayer
particularly the highest form prayer of thanksgiving – the Eucharist, every
Sunday and even every day. Being at Mass Sunday after Sunday or even daily may
be compared to Moses keeping his arms upraised - a gesture of prayer, in order
to assure the Lord’s continuous protection and help as we hear in the first
reading. “As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage” in
battle against one of the most feared fighters Israel ever confronted. No
nation on earth could ever defeat the Amalekites. But with Moses’ arms raised
in prayer to the God of Israel, with Aaron and Hur holding Moses’ hands up high
in a posture of prayer, with the forces of God on the side of Israel, not only
was Amalek defeated, this fierce nation was totally destroyed. Paul’s second
letter to Timothy also sees the apostolic ministry in terms of persistence. “Be
persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient...through all patience and
teaching.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells “his disciples a parable about the
necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.” Jesus is aware that
his disciples and us tend to give up too soon, and therefore tells them the
parable of a widow who kept going to a judge until he finally accepted to
intervene for her. The point of the parable is clear: There is nothing
impossible with God just as there were no enemies too strong for the forces of
Israel with God on their side. When God fights with us against the forces of
evil, we will win the battle. So what message do we take home this Sunday? 1)
Just as Israel had fierce battles with Amalek, you and I have our own Amalek to
fight – our vices and weaknesses. Whether we fight our sinful habits: explosive
temper, anger or whatever vice like alcoholism or drug addiction, don’t ever
give up. 2) The power of persistent prayer is exemplified best by going to Mass
Sunday after Sunday or even daily and in all humility believing that in the
end, being on God’s side, you will win the battle. 3) The readings remind us of
our own fierce battles with our own Amalek of anger and sloth and gossip. We
must never to give up, because with the persistent power of prayer, even the
fiercest enemy – the devil will fall. Think about your own Amalek today and be
determined to go into battle fighting on God’s side.
©2016 John S. Mbinda
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