First reading Exodus 17:8-13
As long as Moses kept his arm raised, Israel had the advantage
The Amalekites came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Pick out men for yourself, and tomorrow morning march out to engage Amalek. I, meanwhile, will stand on the hilltop, the staff of God in my hand.’ Joshua did as Moses told him and marched out to engage Amalek, while Moses and Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage; when he let his arms fall, the advantage went to Amalek. But Moses’ arms grew heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him and on this he sat, Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, one on one side, one on the other; and his arms remained firm till sunset. With the edge of the sword Joshua cut down Amalek and his people.
Responsorial Psalm 120(121)
Second reading 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
The man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work
You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching.
Gospel Luke 18:1-8
The parable of the unjust judge
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’
And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
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Just keep praying
In the animated movie “Finding Nemo”, a forgetful fish named Dory uses the phrase “Just keep swimming” to encourage herself to persevere through the challenges she faces in the ocean. In today’s gospel, Jesus conveys a similar message through the parable of the persistent widow, reminding us of the importance of being steadfast in our prayers. He encourages us to continue praying, even when it feels like God is silent. When our prayers seem unanswered, we must trust that God will provide what we truly need, in His own time and in His own ways.
In the first reading, the passage describes how Aaron and Hur assisted Moses by physically lifting his arms when he became too tired to hold them up in prayer to God. The image of Moses with his hands raised, supported by Aaron and Hur, shows the vital role of a supportive faith community. We need people to help us when we struggle to continue praying and feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face. God brings individuals into our lives to uplift us, and their love and support empower us to move forward with renewed determination and perseverance, even during our most challenging moments.
Reflective questions:
Have I ever felt tempted to give up praying? What is Jesus’ invitation for me during this time of prayer?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
