[Pearls Episode 141: Preparing for Sunday.]
In this week’s Pearls episode, we noted that this Sunday’s Old Testament reading (Exodus 17:8-13) and Gospel reading (Luke 18:1-8) illustrate many of the bread-and-butter concepts of our spiritual life.
- All of scripture points to Christ.
Just before our scripture passage of Moses holding up the Staff of God, to overcome Amalek and his hordes, Moses uses the same staff to strike the rock from which flowed water for the thirsty Israelites.
In 1 Corinthians St. Paul tells us, “the rock was Christ.” In a similar way Christ was struck once by a lance, and waters of salvation flowed from His pierced side (Rephidim, where this all took place, means “refreshment”).
And then we have Moses stretching out his arms (with the help of Aaron and Hur). And Psalm 138 King David proclaims, “You stretch out your hands and save me.” Both of which point to Christ with arms outstretched on the cross.
- Pray Always
Jesus tells his disciples (and us…) not only to “pray always,” but to pray always “without becoming weary.”
At first blush, at least to some of us, that could sound like “jump in a freezing pond without becoming cold.” Praying 24/7 without becoming weary is impossible.
But Jesus wouldn’t set us up for failure. And so, we should be encouraged. If Jesus says we can get to the point where everything we do becomes a prayer (conversation with God), then our response should be – OK!
But we can do better than that. There’s nothing wrong with asking Jesus – “but, how?”
Jesus gives us one answer right in the parable that follows. Just like the widow wears down the judge with her persistence – we should pray constantly and persistently – and we should be motivated and strengthened against weariness by the assurance that our prayer will be answered.
In the past we’ve looked at this analogy: First, imagine one of the worst ways to spend an entire year. For example, being the official taste-tester for insect-based meat. Testing bug burgers could certainly become wearying day in and day out. But, let’s say you’re promised a billion dollars at the end of the year. The thought of every bite of worm jerky bringing you closer to financial freedom will bring new motivation.
So too, we can pray more consistently when we embrace the hope that comes with the genuine trust that our prayers are being answered in the best way possible for us and the people we love.
And in the story of Moses, we see another practical suggestion about praying without growing weary – by making use of the simple aids that are at our disposal. All Moses needed was a rock and some buddies to hold up his arms. Simple. What are the basic things we can do to remain mindful of God throughout the day? We can have prayer partners to check in with. We can start the day with a morning offering. We can cultivate the habit of calling on the Holy Spirit throughout the day. We can offer each ½-hour chunk of work for a different intention. And on and on.
- Expect the Extraordinary
Final thought for today – the example of Moses reminds us of one other important truism of the spiritual life – we just need bring ourselves and the ordinary means at our disposal – God provides the extraordinary. God gave Moses his powerful staff. God gives us His Living Word in scripture, the Sacraments, and the indwelling of His Spirit. The more we pray with great trust in God’s complete power over our life, the more God can do in our life.
You know, it’s easy to get lulled into the thought that our prayers aren’t doing anything. But that’s a lie whispered in our ear by the Father of Lies.
In Sunday’s Gospel reading we hear Truth itself tell us He is listening to every prayer and will be quick to answer.
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life