Word to the Wise
Sunday, October 20, 2019 - 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 appearance and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. [2 Timothy]
The three scriptures assigned for Sunday Mass this weekend do not often line up behind one idea, but when they do, it is worth noting. The "watchword" for the three this Sunday is "persistence!" Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, has to keep his arms up for the Israelites to win the battle. Timothy is charged to be persistent in his ministry of proclaiming the word, no matter how convenient or inconvenient. Jesus tells us to be persistent in prayer, and gives us the colorful example of the widow banging on the door of the corrupt judge.
In our own time, we hear often of "___________fatigue" to describe someone (or ourselves) as tired of doing something over and over again. Another expression is "burnt out." Undoubtedly, these expressions do have real life expression when a person's physical, emotional and spiritual resources reach a point of unhealthy exhaustion. Even Jesus took time away "in a deserted place" to get away from the crowds. But the rest has a purpose, to enable the dedicated person to remain dedicated and persistent in the task - in this case, the task of proclaiming the gospel by word and deed.
Persistence in prayer is one of the most common things I hear in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When there are battles to be fought or people to care for and talk to, it seems easier to persist, perhaps because these are physical demands. Somehow, the neighbor seems closer to us than God! Prayer, however, touches on our relationship to God and is easier to take for granted because of distractions in "ministry." This is dangerous because the very motive for persistence in our efforts for neighbor must come from our faith in God. Again, we have the example of Jesus' own prayer to his Father during his ministry. At the end of a long and persistent day of helping others, we may feel "too tired to pray!" It is an intriguing thought to imagine God as the persistent widow banging on our door, demanding attention! At the end of the day, persistence and perseverance win the battle, even if we may need some help with it! AMEN