Daily Readings - Sun Oct 16 2022
Exodus
8Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.9And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.10So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.11And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.12But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.13And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
2 Timothy
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Luke
1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith, persistence, and trust in God’s providence. In the first reading from Exodus, Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, keeps his hands raised in prayer as Joshua battles Amalek. This story shows how faith and perseverance, even in the face of weariness, lead to victory. The second reading from 2 Timothy emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the Scriptures, which guide us toward salvation and equip us for every good work. Finally, the Gospel parable of the persistent widow teaches us to pray without ceasing, trusting that God, unlike the unjust judge, will hear and respond to our cries.
These readings are interconnected in their call to trust in God’s faithfulness. Moses’ raised hands symbolize prayer and reliance on God’s power, while the widow’s persistence reflects the kind of unrelenting faith Jesus calls us to. The passage from 2 Timothy reminds us that Scripture is our foundation, guiding us in living out this faith. Together, they encourage us to remain steadfast, even in the face of challenges, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His people.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace a life of prayer and trust. Like Moses, we may grow weary, but with the support of others and our eyes fixed on God, we can endure. Like the widow, we must not lose heart but continue to bring our needs before God, trusting in His justice and love. And like Timothy, we must ground ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. Let us, then, live with persistent faith, knowing that God hears us and will bring about His will in His time.