First Reading: Exodus 17:8-13
Reflection:
To what or whom do you look for strength when you are confronted with one of life’s unexpected hardships? This Sunday’s first reading speaks to this experience in the lives of the Israelites. In this case, they looked to God, of course, but through the leadership and presence of their great leader Moses. Shortly after the Israelites had been freed from Egyptian slavery, and while they were still wandering in the desert towards their encounter with God at Mount Sinai, they were attacked by Amalek and his band of followers. The Israelites were caught unaware and confusion could have run rampant. But Moses took strength in the Lord and sent Joshua and his troops to protect them. Moses acted in God’s place, representing God’s presence and power. He stood upon a high bluff overlooking the battlefield. With the assistance of Aaron and Hur, he held his arms up while holding his staff (which had become a sign of God’s miraculous work). When the people looked up to Moses, they gained encouragement and strength from the Lord to eventually overcome their adversaries. He was the image of God for them. In fact, Moses here foreshadows Jesus. The image of Moses on top of a hill with his arms stretched out holding a wooden staff reflects the image of Jesus on the hill of calvary with his arms stretched out on the wood of the cross. When we face spiritual battles in life, as the Israelites looked to Moses, we should look to Jesus. It is in him, through his death and resurrection, that we can overcome our battles. Anything short of relying on God will end in defeat.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
Reflection:
If we were ever unsure about our mission as followers of Jesus, St. Paul makes it extraordinarily clear in this letter to his young bishop friend, Timothy. “Proclaim the word!” is the encouragement given to all faith-filled people. In a particular way, parents are challenged to pass the Scriptural stories to the next generation. Meditate on this: “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.” The truth of this statement is as important today as it was in Timothy’s time. It was hard to be public about your Christian faith in ancient Ephesus (modern Turkey) because you could be exiled, beaten, or even killed. But those who believe in Christ are encouraged to be bold in sharing the story, even when it’s inconvenient. In our country, we are free to share the Christian message. Many of us, however, find it inconvenient, and we don’t like being uncomfortable. But Gospel truth, when applied to the foibles of human exploits, often creates feelings of discomfort because we are reminded of how imperfect, selfish, and shortsighted we really can be. In a world where greed, fear, and personal power are primary motivators, gospel values of peace, simplicity, common good, and love frequently seem foolish. And yet, it’s these latter values that the baptized followers of Christ are called to live. We are to “Proclaim the word,” sharing the truths found in the Scriptures (the word of God) and, most of all, sharing the truth found in the person of Jesus Christ (the Word of God).
Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8
Reflection:
Is God being compared to a dishonest judge? Yes, and precisely so to make Jesus’ point to “Pray always” even more poignant. The judge in Jesus’ story is clearly not fulfilling his duties on a regular basis. He does not care about the members of his community and he shows no deference to God. He does not really seek justice or necessarily uphold what is right. He appears to be in this position of power for his own gain. Yet, a poor, powerless widow is able to turn him around with her irritating persistence. If this judge, who dislikes humanity, can even be swayed to do good for someone because they are persistent in their petitioning, how much more will a God who loves you answer your requests for goodness? Be confident enough in God’s mercy and love to pray always and in all ways. Remember, prayer is about relationship; it is about asking for what you need but also listening for guidance to know what is most needed. Prayer is dialogue. Prayer is showing up; its presence. If we are present to our relationship with God, and persistent in voicing our needs and desires, God will secure justice for us. Jesus ends this story with the statement, “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Even in the midst of His teaching, Jesus questions whether or not humans have the capacity to be faithful. While we may want to answer with an exuberant “YES,” in our hearts we secretly know He is exposing the weakness of humankind. We know we like to think we can do it all on our own and that we can control everything. It is precisely at these times that we forget to pray. Jesus reminds us that prayer is not based solely on need but on presence. We are called to be faithful in prayer. We pray because God first loved us.
Application:
- In the midst of the battles of the spiritual life, remember to look to Jesus on the cross to find the strength to overcome the adversary, just as the Israelites looked to Moses holding his staff on the top of the hill. Like how the Israelites found confidence that God would secure the victory for them, recall the victory Jesus has already won for us every time you gaze at a crucifix.
- How are you proclaiming the word of God in your life? Are you willing to proclaim it, even if it is inconvenient, unpopular, or uncomfortable? Turn to the Scriptures to “equip you for every good work” so that you may be a more effective witness of the Gospel.
- What does your prayer life look like? Have you been faithful in being present to your relationship with God? Take time this week to rekindle that relationship through spending dedicated time talking with God in prayer.
