Pray Really Hard

First Reading:  2 Exodus 17:8-13

The Amalekites then came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, 'Pick some men and tomorrow morning go out and engage Amalek. I, for my part, shall take my stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.' Joshua did as Moses had told him and went out to engage Amalek, while Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage; when he let his arms fall, the advantage went to Amalek. But Moses' arms grew heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him and on this he sat, with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms on each side. Thus his arms remained unwavering till sunset, and Joshua defeated Amalek, putting their people to the sword.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:2

You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures -from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people's lives and teaching them to be upright.

This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work. Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I charge you, in the name of his appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, give encouragement -- but do all with patience and with care to instruct.

Gospel:  Luke 18:1-8

Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. 'There was a judge in a certain town,' he said, 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone.

In the same town there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I want justice from you against my enemy!" For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, "Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person,

I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." ' And the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'

Reflection
By Rosalinda N. Markell

It is so sad to see how messed up our world has become.  We all can clearly see how  Satan is working triple time to destroy the world.  Lots of people seem to lose their belief in God, there is no more respect anymore, children go against their parents, killings and hatred of all sorts are around us, and what do we do?  Politicians who try to get what they want, become too greedy, and some even think they can be better than God, in ruling the country! Children are being raped and killed just like that by pedophiles and some even blame it is the fault of God for creating these men as perverts.   

I've encountered a person, sad to say, who lost his faith in God and thinks that way, he even say that Satan was not to be blamed, but God who created us!

And when I tried to argue with this person, I was called a woman with "no brain at all" because I think differently. "It's a new world, " he says.  All I had to do was to shut my mouth and started praying really hard for this person to wake up!  Yes, it is so sad to see things going down the drain, and they dare to use the name of Jesus in vain!

We all have to stick together and pray really hard!  Perseverance is key in our prayer life. The widow in today's Gospel has shown us such a good example. I am sure we were or are on the same boat as this poor widow. Our prayers may not be answered instantly, but let's keep up the faith in God. We may encounter people whose belief or way of thinking differs from us, whose actions have upset us. In this Year of Mercy, let us bear other's wrongs patiently.

Prayer


Dearest God, lover of our souls, You are the greatest Friend and Protector anyone could ever have.  We feel so low and misunderstood, people are so mean and unjust.  You know how quick some of them find fault and blame others. Please help us understand, if we have done anything which makes them act that way, please help us to be different. Please enlighten their minds, Lord and please remind us when we are afraid, that You are always at our side and will always protect us and our children, most especially our country.  We know with You there is nothing we should be afraid of.  This we pray in Jesus' Name.  Amen.