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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 20, 2013
Liturgy of the Word (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 147
Reading 1
EX 17:8-13
This week’s first reading from Exodus is famous battle story of Moses. This is one of those stories that the future generations of Hebrews probably enjoyed telling over and over again in memory of Moses. At the same time, it’s also a very violent story. The last line for this segment actually ends with mowing down of the enemies by the sword.
At this point in the history of God’s people, the Hebrews had only recently gone through the exodus from Egypt and weren’t very far into their journey through the desert. They run into the Amalekites that came to wage war. They know it is unavoidable, so Moses is inspired to help by lifting his arms and the staff of God that has performed many miracles for them so far. They find that they win in the battle, but only while Moses keeps up his arms. Then Aaron and Hur work with him as a team to help Moses keep up his arms.
It’s important to look at this story as more allegorical and see how God strengthens his people and overcomes all their enemies.
Responsorial Psalm
PS 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
R. (cf. 2) Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Reading 2
2 TM 3:14-4:2
In the second reading, we continue again in the second letter to Timothy for the third week in a row. These pastoral letters from Paul are full of important advice for this second generation church leader and to all the local church. St. Paul keeps it simple and focuses on three main points. Sacred Tradition requires our fidelity, the Sacred Scripture are a source of our wisdom, and always remain faithful to Jesus Christ, even if it’s difficult. In this letter, we see a lot of our Catholic approach in the exhorted fidelity to both Tradition and Sacred Scripture. We should find encouragement in this reading.
Gospel
LK 18:1-8
In this week’s Gospel from St Luke, we see a continued theme of perseverance. Our weak flesh it tempted to give up quickly, but Jesus tells us an interesting story of an uncharacteristically outspoken woman that constantly pleads for a just decision form an uncaring judge. She bothers him to the point where he does what she wants just to get her to leave him alone. Jesus doesn’t mean to show us that God will answer our prayers exactly as we want if we beg enough, but He reminds us that God does care and love all men enough to provide His justice for His people. We see many saints in the Church that have been living testaments to this truth. God’s justice many not reveal itself exactly how or when we expect, but we can persevere in faith with the secure knowledge that He will provide.
Question for further reflection
In which areas of your life have you given up too quickly? How can we live our faithfulness in way that inspires others to also trust in our Lord?
Reflection done by Cristobal Almanza – @SoulPainter
Theme song – Ignite – Soundwave soundwave.cc
Background music
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