Word to the Wise
Sunday, October 20, 2013 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
[Exod 17:8-13; 2 Tim 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 all patience and teaching.
Many of my Beloved Congregation can remember the song by The Beatles with the line, "I get by with a little help from my friends!" That song came to my mind as I imagined the scene from the first scripture today in which Moses has to keep his arms raised so Joshua can win a battle. Aaron and Hur have to stand on either side of him and help him keep those arms high! Persistence is featured in all three of today's scriptures: Moses with his arms held high, Timothy charged with his mission, and the widow who nags the judge! Yet, it is Aaron and Hur who capture my attention because of the role of friends in making persistence possible!
Whether it be marriage, preaching, studies, teaching - you name it - persistence in the face of difficulty is going to be necessary. However, the best of us can get discouraged. This is where the great blessing of friendship can make the difference. We have to be open to it! Aaron and Hur aren't going to force us to hold up our arms if we don't want help! The challenge of writing this reflection every single day no matter where I am would be impossible if it weren't for the encouragement I receive from the Beloved Congregation! I pray that all of you will experience the blessing of friends who can help you hold up your arms, keep up your ministry, and help with yelling at the judge! AMEN