Scripture Reflection, October 19, 2025, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Exodus 17: 8-13 2 Timothy 3:14---4:2 Luke 18:1-8

While there are often numerous themes to be found in the Scripture passages we hear on Sundays, I want to focus today on three themes that are intertwined in all of today’s readings. They are: Faithfulness, Persistence and Community.

Moses demonstrates faithfulness in his battle with Amalek. St. Paul implores his listeners to be faithful, and emphasizes the power of sacred scripture to help them; as it provides both information and wisdom for living a life of faith. In Luke’s Gospel we hear about the poor widow who remained faithful in spite of the stubbornness of the unjust judge.

In Exodus the theme of persistence is highlighted as Moses’ assistants - Aaron and Hur - figure out a way to help Moses keep his arms raised in a position of prayer and supplication to God during an important battle. St. Paul writes: “…be persistent, whether it is convenient or inconvenient….” And in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Pray always.”

The author of Exodus convincingly presents the power of community, writing that it took many people exercising various gifts, to defeat the pagan forces of Amalek. St. Paul encourages us to reach out to others, engaging them in conversation meant to teach and encourage them in the faith. Luke recounts Jesus, asking an important question: “…when the son of man comes, will he find faith on earth.”

I suggest that, unless we are willing to persist in demonstrating our faith to the wider community, by the way we live, the Lord will be hard pressed to find faith on earth when he returns. No man, no woman is an island! We exist in various configurations of community, in our families, parishes, communities and in the world.

For Reflection: Do those with whom I interact know that I am a Christian by the ways that I demonstrate my love for other people, and for the world?

by: Bill Miller