Word to the Wise
Sunday, October 16, 2016 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
[Exod 17:8-13; 2 Tim 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016. TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:2; Luke 18:1-8] "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 patience and teaching." [2 Timothy] As I write this reflection, I am at a retreat center in San Angelo, TX, to preach a retreat for the Permanent Deacons and spouses of the Lubbock diocese. I preach a number of these retreats around the country each year and I find that the one thing that is most important is to encourage. We find that task of encouragement in all three of the scriptures for this Sunday (a rarity). In Exodus, Moses is able to persevere in his own effort to encourage his forces by Aaron and Hur who hold up his arms! Timothy is encouraged to persist in the task of proclaiming the gospel. Jesus exhorts the disciples to never grow weary in the task of praying, and uses the amusing example of the widow going after the judge. These are all examples of encouragement. The task of active discipleship can be very difficult. It is easy to get into the idea: "What's the use? Nobody listens or helps!" These deacons and their spouses, like all active ministers need friends who will "hold up their arms" and encourage them. They need the encouragement of the kind Paul gives to Timothy and Jesus gives to his disciples. The widow in the parable can say, "See! Sometimes you have to beat on their door!" I hope that all my Beloved Congregation knows that you "hold up my arms" and encourage me, and I urge you to do that for all those who dedicate themselves to service to the rest of us. Encouragement fuels persistence and puts skin on the preaching and caring of the gospel. AMEN
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