📖 The Readings (Summary + Key Verses)
First Reading: Exodus 17:8-13
Israel is under attack by Amalek. Moses tells Joshua to choose men and go fight, while Moses, with Aaron and Hur, goes up to a hill with the staff of God. When Moses keeps his arms raised, Israel prevails; when he lowers them, Amalek gains ground. Fatigue sets in; Aaron and Hur support Moses’ arms until sunset, enabling victory. EWTN Global Catholic Television Network+2Catholic Lectionary+2
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121:1-8
A song of trust: “My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth … He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” EWTN Global Catholic Television Network+2Catholic Daily Readings+2
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
Paul (writing to Timothy) exhorts him to remain faithful to what he has learned, from whom he learned it, and that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness. He charges him to preach the word persistently, whether convenient or inconvenient. EWTN Global Catholic Television Network+2Catholic Daily Readings+2
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who keeps demanding justice from an unjust judge. The judge finally grants her request to avoid being worn out. Jesus then asks: “Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? … Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?” EWTN Global Catholic Television Network+2Catholic Daily Readings+2
🧩 Simple Explanations
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Exodus – When Moses got tired, help showed up
Think of Moses as holding up a banner in support of the troops. As long as he held it high, the soldiers fought better. But when his arms drooped, the enemy gained ground. Moses got tired (understandably!), so Aaron and Hur propped him up. The lesson: to win spiritual “battles,” endurance matters — but also community support. -
Psalm – Eyes lifted, trust rooted
The psalm invites us to look up (not down) — not to the mountaintops exactly, but to God who is faithful, never sleeps, and guards us always. -
2 Timothy – Scripture is your spiritual Swiss Army knife
Paul reminds us that Scripture is “inspired by God” and useful — it teaches, corrects, trains us. And we are called to share the Word courageously, even when it’s awkward (yes, even during family dinners or in that WhatsApp group). -
Gospel – Be annoyingly persistent in prayer
The widow is a master of perseverance. She doesn’t give up. This isn’t about trying to twist God's arm — rather, it’s about showing God that prayer matters, that you believe in his justice, and that you aren’t giving in to discouragement.
💡 Practical Applications & Challenges
| Theme | What to Try | (Humorous reminder) |
|---|---|---|
| Perseverance in Prayer | Start or revive a prayer habit: even 5–10 minutes daily, and don’t quit when you feel nothing. | Don’t ghost God after Day 3 — He doesn’t use “seen at” status. |
| Leaning on Others | Share your spiritual burdens with a friend, mentor, or faith group. Let others ‘hold up your arms’ when you’re weary. | Sometimes you need spiritual crutches — no shame in that. |
| Know Your Scriptures | Pick a verse or chapter this week (e.g. a Gospel passage) and memorize or meditate on it. | It’s better than memorizing song lyrics you forget the next day. |
| Speak Up with the Word | When occasions arise (difficult conversations, injustice, family tension), bring in Scripture with gentleness and courage. | Yes, you can quote the Bible at your cousin — but maybe steer clear of doing it mid-Karaoke. |
| Trust God’s Justice & Timing | In situations where you feel ignored or justice delayed, hold onto faith that God sees and will act — even if we don't see the timeline. | Don’t demand “God, answer by last Thursday.” He’s not a fast food joint. |
🪞 Reflection (with a wink)
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Am I consistent in prayer, or do I drop off when “nothing seems to happen”?
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Who in my life can support me (prayer group, friend, spiritual director) when I’m weak?
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Do I really believe that Scripture is alive and useful, or do I treat it like decorative art?
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In what situations am I tempted to give up — and how can I “be the widow” and keep knocking at God’s door?
🙏 A Reflection Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Sometimes I feel like Moses — arms weary, heart fainting, enemy pressing in. But you have promised to defend me, sustain me, and never slumber in guarding me. (Psalm 121)
Give me the grit of that faithful widow — that I might come to you often, persistent yet humble, trusting that you hear my voice. (Luke 18)
Let your Word dwell richly in me (2 Timothy), so that I may be equipped for every good work, ready to speak your truth with love.
Lord, when I can’t lift the burden, send Aaron and Hur — friends, mentors, the Body of Christ — to prop up my arms. Help me receive help and also to support others in turn.
May I never lose faith — even when answers seem delayed — but trust that your justice, mercy, and timing are perfect. Help me, O Lord, to remain faithful until your Son returns.
Amen.
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