First reading: Ex. 17:8–13

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

Moses’hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Second reading: 2 Tim. 3:14–4:2

Beloved: Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

Gospel: Lk. 18:1–8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’”

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

In other words

by Fr. Sonny de Rivera, SVD (SVD Philippine Northern Province)

Have you ever stood in a place that echoed with centuries of fervent prayers? Picture the Church of St. Augustine in the heart of Rome, adorned with masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini. Amidst these treasures lies the statue of Madonna del Parto and the tomb of St. Monica, making this church a haven for pilgrims seeking solace.

Amidst the splendor, there is an altar that became the sanctuary for St. Monica’s unwavering petitions to convert her son, Augustine. Despite years of seemingly unanswered prayers, her steadfastness mirrors the essence of today’s reflection on the persistent widow and the unjust judge in our Gospel reading.

I invited friends to visit the tomb of Saint Monica, seeking inspiration from her patient waiting and unwavering trust that God hears our prayers. Their persistence in praying for change and relief from challenging situations resulted in the gift of a faithful and trusting heart, with fears and doubts gradually fading away. Through this experience, they discovered that God responds to us “in his time.”

The Gospel parable highlights the imperative of persistent prayer. Imagine the widow facing a corrupt judge, illustrating the obstacles we encounter in our pursuit of justice. Yet, the narrative invites us to persevere, even when circumstances seem bleak. This reflection intertwines this message with the importance of faith, underscoring that God hears our prayers and acts in his perfect timing.

In the heart of the Gospel, we encounter the primary motive of prayer—persisting despite challenges. The woman’s three liabilities in the parable mirror our obstacles, contrasting the corrupt judge with the just God we pray to. The Gospel narrative reveals the progression of spiritual growth, where need leads to prayer, persistence deepens our relationship with God, and intimacy fosters increased faith.

Persistence in prayer acknowledges a waiting period, the doubts that may creep in, and the human tendency to grow weary. Drawing inspiration from the life of St. Monica, whose persistent prayers led to Augustine’s conversion, we are called to surrender our burdens to God through unwavering persistence.

The parable also emphasizes the importance of faith, urging daily prayers for increased faith and a trusting belief that God hears and answers, even if the answers are not immediately visible.

As we journey in faith, may we find solace in persistent prayer, understanding that God hears, answers, and works in ways beyond our comprehension. Let our prayers be not just requests but expressions of love, trust, and unwavering dependence on our Father.