Call To Persistence

Summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily from October 21, 2007

"Moses' hands grew tired, so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset." Exodus 17:13

As I approach 40 years since ordination, I acknowledge moments of tiredness. There are times when I want to rest my elbows on the altar.

Today's readings are a call to persistence. It is not over 'till it is over, as the Redskins in their last two games remind us. Whether in sports or in life, we are urged to "keep right on till the end of the road."

World Mission Sunday propels all of God's people to stay true to our missionary calling. The mission of the church has two dimensions: a call to prayer and a call to do justice.

Jesus turns to the poor widow as his model of fidelity. She was his example of how, "to pray always without becoming weary." The corrupt judge, who feared neither God nor man, was forced to give her rights, lest she do him harm. She called out day and night. She did not take "NO" for an answer. She left no stone unturned

The widow in Israel was often seen as the poor one. Practically, even to this day, women who lose their husbands often lose all or part of their income as well. The church must stand in the shoes of the poor widow and fight for the rights of women, especially vulnerable women. We have a preferential option for the poor. Our mission to preach the gospel is invalidated when we do not pursue justice for the oppressed.

In prayer and in action we are charged by Paul to "proclaim the word, be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient."