HOMILY FOR THE 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: Be constant in Prayer (Rom.12:12)
BY: Fr. Justus Oruma
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16 2022
(a) The story in Exodus 17:8-13 shows that the battles and struggles of life is not just something physical but the force has to be matched with prayers. As Joshua was in the battle field at war with the Amalek, Moses, Aaron and Hur backed him up with prayers, knowing that the battle is not just of flesh and blood, but also against spiritual forces and powers of darkness (Eph. 6:12).
(b) It is important to stress here, according to the Scripture how the war was sustained and won by the Israelites; “As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.” (Exodus 17:11). Note the words here; “as long as…” As long as you remain in prayers, you win your battle. Be constant in prayers but note also that the battle was not fought only with prayers; Joshua was there to face the problems physically. Those who resort only to prayers without facing their daily challenges are living in disillusionment. Also, those who think they have no need of prayers and God to get to their success will work and grow weary and fade away in the drudgery and difficulties of life.
(c) Most times, what you get is not due to your efforts or hard-works. Most times good lucks and graces of God have fetched us beyond what we could imagine. Prayers give us good dispositions and calms us in face of troubles. Thus St Paul advices us; “don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything” (Phil.4:6).., even if there seems to be delay in the answer. Jesus in the parable thought us that we ought always to pray and not to lose heart. Never grow tired of praying. Recall this; “when Moses let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.” Therefore, be constant in prayer. Sometimes like Moses we can be so tired to pray. Let us like Aaron and Hur support one another in prayer for the win in Life. Pray together as a family. Pray for me too.