Year C: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Exodus 17: 8-13

As an example of perseverance in prayer, the feat of Moses praying for hours on end with his arms outstretched could hardly be beaten.

The fact that he is praying for a victory in battle and the slaughter of those opposing the Israelites may leave us feeling uncomfortable these days - we are more used to the idea of a God of love and of peace.

However, at the time, the Israelites were fighting for their survival. They believed that God was on their side as His Chosen People and, as was the belief current at the time, the outcome of a battle depended as much on how strong your gods were as on how well-armed and tough you were. The Israelites took their victory as proof of the supremacy of the One True God.

They also acknowledged the part that Moses’ prayer played in the victory. At a time when there would have been sacrifices and long rituals to please the gods, Moses simply stands with the staff of God outstretched over the battle. When he becomes weary his companions seek to support him. They don’t attempt to take over the staff - or the prayer - but do all they can to ensure that his prayer can continue - even to supporting his arms with their own.

Their perseverance is recorded and shown as vital to the outcome of the battle - and reminds us that there are still battles to be won against false gods and perseverance in prayer is one of our strongest weapons.

 What does it mean for me?

When have you felt your own prayer to have been sustained by the prayer of others? When have you sustained other people's prayer?

         Text © 2006 Wellspring

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