Ex 17:8-13 Ps 120 2 Tim 3:14-4:2 Lk 18:1-8
In the Book of Exodus, soon after escaping from the Egyptians across the Red Sea, the Israelites’ frequently grumbled about God, who responded by giving them sweet water, quail and manna. Then they were challenged by the Amelekites living between Palestine and Sinai. Although they continued to quarrel and test the Lord, he showed yet again that he will always look after them. Moses needs a lot of human help to keep his arms up! But his persistence showed complete faith in God. The Psalm also reminds us that we can rely totally on God.
Paul also emphasises that Timothy must “be persistent” in proclaiming the word “whether it is convenient or inconvenient”. He describes the uses of inspired scripture: “for teaching, for refuting error, for guidance and for teaching people to be holy”. For Paul, writing before the Gospels were written, “scripture” meant what we now call the Old Testament. So we need to persist in trying to understand the Jewish Scriptures.
Just before Jesus enters Jerusalem Luke gives us two parables about prayer. Today we hear how the persistent widow eventually gets justice. Jesus assures us that God will “see justice done to his chosen who cry out to him day and night even when he delays to help them”.
Psalm Response: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
(Ex 17:8-13 Ps 120 2 Tim 3:14-4:2 Lk 18:1-8)
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