Persistence in Prayer

Greetings on this the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ex 17:8-13; Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Tm 3:14-4:2; Lk 18:1-8
Notes: Pray consistently. You will learn more deeply the will of God and experience His love and assistance.

• Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary (Lk 18:1).
• Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer (Rm 12:12).
• Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; at the same time, pray for us, too (Col 4:2-3a).
• Pray without ceasing (1 Thes 5:17).

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

First reading
Complete reliance in the Lord through prayer in the most difficult of circumstances of being attacked by an army.

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.

Here we read that Moses’ power is actually the Lord responding to the priestly prayer (hands raised).
The variation noted in the course of the battle reflecting in direct relation to the raising of the arms is simply to indicate the power is not in Moses, nor his arms, but in his reliance on the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Second reading
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.

Sacred Scripture is the Sword of the Lord.

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.

Alleluia Verse
The word of God is living and effective, discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Gospel Portion
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18?1

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?

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry