29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Did you know that dogs have over 200 million scent receptors compared to 5 million for humans? My lab, Fanny, no longer desires to go on long speed walks with me but rather is quite content with walking in front of a few houses, persistent in her sniffing out a variety of scents. Allowing a dog to sniff not only calms anxiety and is beneficial for overall happiness.
Today’s readings are about persistence in prayer and forging a deep relationship with God the Father and Jesus. In the first reading from Exodus, we are reminded that we are members of the community of faith. Like Moses, Aaron, and Hur, in every celebration of the Eucharist, we gather in prayer, united in Christ, supporting one another.
In the second reading from Paul to Timothy, we are reminded that all Scripture is inspired by God, to remain faithful in all that we have learned and believed, and above all, persistence in sharing the good news, no matter the circumstance.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is teaching about the need for prayer, exhorting us to pray always and not to become weary. He tells the parable of the woman who has no recourse other than persistence in needling the judge to render a just decision against her adversary. Having no fear of God or respect for human beings, in fearing what the woman would do, he decides to do what is right for him. Jesus ends the parable with the teaching that God is everything the judge is not. God is there for all who persist in prayer, always seeking God’s guidance, even in those times we do not feel his presence or hear his voice. In prayer, persistence is wisdom in trusting God’s response.
Will you persist in sniffing out God?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray for the gift of perseverance in all trials. Strengthen our spirit and guide our hearts, so that we may face challenges with unwavering faith and courage. May Your grace empower all to endure, trusting in Your divine plan, and emerging victorious in every struggle. Amen.
