Homily of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Exodus 17:8-13, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2, Luke 18:1-8
Today, the Church of Christ celebrates Mission Sunday. We are called to join the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of God’s grace, either by going or by giving. By going, we become active missionaries, extending the Gospel beyond frontiers and through our giving, we offer our time, prayers, and resources to support the Church’s ongoing mission.
In the first reading, Moses told Joshua to go to the battle against Amalek while he goes into prayer. “Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So, his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.” This shows that our actions must be backed with prayer and teamwork. Aaron and Hur supported Moses to keep his hands steady into victory. The mission of Christ on earth cannot be possible unless there is a steady collaboration among the laity and clergy.
Moreover, Paul said in his second letter to Timothy, “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” No matter how deep our knowledge of God may be, if it does not lead us to good works, it is futile. Our knowledge of God will be seen in quality of lifestyle.
However, while we work, we also pray. As we labour for the Lord, we must never distance ourselves from him. We must persevere in prayer, for all we do depends on his grace, he works in us both to will and to do. In the Gospel, Jesus presents a widow who persistently troubled an unjust judge with her tireless pleas for justice. She received what she desired because of her perseverance. Likewise, no matter what we face in life or how fruitless our efforts may seem, let us continue to rely on God in prayer. He never disappoints. Though we may be tempted to lose faith just when our prayers begin to bear fruit, we must not give in to that temptation.
Above all, we cannot come to God empty-handed and expect him to bless the work of our hands. There must be something we are willing to sacrifice. Joshua did not stay at home; Moses did not fold his hands; Aaron and Hur did not stand afar off. All hands must be on deck, and then victory will be won. Those who seek to get and are not ready to give up anything are not worthy of our company.
On this special day, let pray that we gain a renewed strength in contributing our own quota to the mission of Christ. Remain blessed.
