Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

From a very early age we learn to be persistent, and often enough this persistence gets us what we want. Over time our plans tend only to get more elaborate and we become more successful in our attempts: We use persuasive words, logical arguments, appeal to the emotions, or just simply hound others. We know both the blessings and challenges of what it is like to live with one another, and we know how good we can be at bothering each another.

I only write these words in light of the Gospel and the example of the persistent widow. The widow pesters the dishonest judge until he gives her what she wants. It is a comical parable, because we have all been there before, and it takes no stretch of the imagination to see this woman berating the judge until his patience wears thin and he finally gives in. God invites us readily and often to bring our needs and intentions before Him, and to be persistent in doing so.

During my time as a seminarian, monk, and priest, I have seen a fair number of discerners come and go. Some enter seminary or religious life with great fervor and energy, with ambitious plans of evangelizing the world, only to see these plans dashed after they encounter a few obstacles in their journey. They grow weary, discouraged, distracted, and find a new and exciting goal to pursue. The fact that Jesus provides this warning, about “praying always and not becoming weary,” shows that it is difficult to sustain our zeal beyond the initial stages of discipleship, and continue it over a lifetime. The disciples themselves, who had received this message on weariness, were all found sleeping in the garden on the Mount of Olives, when he had clearly instructed them to keep watch and pray with him.

Without persistence, we cannot have a strong prayer life, and without a strong prayer life, a firm relationship with Christ is not possible. It is challenging to make time and put forth the effort to encounter Christ if we are not in an environment that fosters spiritual growth and promotes time for prayer. We need to be persistent, but we also need edifying examples of what it looks like to be steadfast in prayer and strong in devotion. When we see family members, friends, or the monastic community making time for personal prayer, it strengthens us and supports our desire to pray. Our witness then strengthens others, especially when they are going through a difficult time or trial in their life. If the great prophet Moses grew tired and received support from Aaron and Hur, then we need both to find encouragement from others, and provide a positive example for them

We are invited to greater trust that God will come to the aid of His children when they call upon Him. God is the just judge, who slow to anger and abounding in mercy and compassion. God’s mercy and long-suffering are not in doubt; but only one question remains: Will we lose hope, and when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB