HOMILY FOR THE 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
TTHEME: KEEP THOSE HANDS STEADY: VICTORY IS NEAR!
BY: Fr Livinus C. Igbodekwe
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY OCTOBER16 2022
1. War Shall Come: But, remember! Our God is a man of war, The Lord is his name (Ex 15:3). God has already granted victory even before you set out to fight. He trains your hands to do warfare (Ps144:1). How? By teaching you His strategies. For any war to be won, strategy is key. It doesn’t matter which camp is first to attack. What matters is which camp has the best strategy. Ability to perceive spiritual instructions is at the basis of mastery in spiritual warfare.
2. It’s Time to Take a Prayer Position: The prophet has a unique position in spiritual warfare on the mountain of prayer. He may not have the physical weapons or engage in the actual combat, yet the host of army depends on him. He seeks the face of Yahweh because a word from Yahweh can discomfit a whole army of enemies. Moses knew that God has attached some unseen powers in his rod, especially whenever it is raised over an opposition. He applies the strategy and it is working to the advantage of God’s people. Prayer is the atmosphere for victory.
3. Keep Your Hands Steady: Paul recognized the power of uplifted hands that he says, “Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands…” (1 Tim 2:8). In the Gospel today, Jesus teaches us that it is a consistent, persistent prayer that will obtain the King’s favor. It is only an earnest, fervent prayer that avails much (James 5:16). In our prayer closets, we can get weary, but we must get support team – Aaron and Hur. There’s power in shared prayers. This is an expression of a triumphant Church. A Church that will pull down strongholds of darkness must be united in prayers. Moses’ arms remained firm till sunset. 3 men united in prayer set up the atmosphere for victory. The sword of Joshua cut down the Amalekites unto victory. Thanks to the uplifted hands of these prayerful men!
You too are on the victorious side, if you can stage a united team of prayer armies on the mountain. What happens in the valley or the plain is only an expression of victory already created in the spiritual dimension. Unseen armies will be dispatch!
Pray, keep praying, don’t stop until you see the victory. Lift your prayer hands, and keep them steady and the battle will be over with you on the victorious side! Amen!
Happy Sunday to you!