The Tree

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
21 October 2007

First reading: Exodus 17:8 - 13

The Amalekites came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Pick out men for yourself, and tomorrow morning march out to engage Amalek. I, meanwhile, will stand on the hilltop, the staff of God in my hand.’ Joshua did as Moses told him and marched out to engage Amalek, while Moses and 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, Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, one on one side, one on the other; and his arms remained firm till sunset. With the edge of the sword Joshua cut down Amalek and his people.

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 can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man 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 put this duty to 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, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching.

Gospel: Luke 18:1 - 8

Then Jesus 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 man. In the same town there was 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, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death”.’ And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he 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 Elizabeth R Eguia

I was drying my hair this morning when my attention was focused at the window. A tall tree was standing in front of me. I noticed that all its leaves are greener now. The dried ones were only a few not unlike 2 to 3 weeks back when almost all were dried up. Another observation was, even though the leaves are greener, I still saw some of them having small holes probably caused by insects that could have been eating up the leaves. The tree stands still, proud of what it is now and what is has been whether it rains or shines.

In today’s Gospel, God is reminding us to be hopeful, and be trustful to Him. We all experience problems. Sometimes we feel we cannot handle all of them because of its degree and intensity. Let us always ask His help and guidance. He is a God of mercy and love who cannot withstand the needs of His beloved children. Yes, sometimes it takes time for Him to respond but that is for a reason. God knows that we can handle whatever problems we encounter. Most of the time, these will even help us to be stronger in character and in faith.

Like the tree I am referring to, God has been there to take care of it. Yes there are “dry” times, but the tree remains unaffected. Thicker times made it stronger. Its trunk gains strength through time, totally trusting to a higher power that it will not leave it no matter what. But there will also be good times. It will flourish and you can witness the majesty of His creation. Remember I mentioned there were holes in the leaves. It reminded me that sometimes God plans it that way to make us realize that we are still not perfect and we that we need Him.

Heavenly Father, we come into Your presence today, to thank You and glorify You for the message You have imparted to us. Oftentimes, we experience difficulties in life. We ask for help. May we not lose hope easily. May we stand strong to face these as we wait for our prayers to be answered. We lift up everything to You, Lord. Amen.