29th Sunday Year C 2025

I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" ( Lc 18,8 )

Knowing the importance and value of prayer, this week we are encouraged once again to stay faithful and trust God, and to keep God always close in prayer — especially when life becomes a difficult struggle.

Moses is a powerful example of this as he prays over the Israelites in battle, his raised hands become a sign of intercession and faith. When his arms grow tired and begin to fall, the Israelites start to lose ground. But when Aaron and Hur come alongside and help him keep his hands raised, victory is won. What a beautiful picture this is of perseverance in prayer — and also of the value offriendship and the community offering support. Sometimes we grow weary, and our faith feels heavy. That is when we need one another’s help. We don’t need to pray alone; we can — and should — pray with and for each other. As St John Vianney once said, “Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself.”

St Paul encourages Timothy — and all of us — to stay rooted in the Word of God and to keep sharing the Good News, even when it is difficult. Paul reminds us that the wisdom and strength we need does not come from ourselves but from God. Preaching the Gospel is not just about words from a pulpit; it is about living with love, truth, and patience every day. When we trust God’s wisdom rather than our own cleverness, we find courage to speak, act, and love in ways that truly change hearts. As St Teresa of Calcutta encouragingly said, “God does not call us to be successful, but to be faithful.”

To complete the picture, St Luke tells the story of the persistent widow who keeps asking the judge for justice until he finally gives in. Jesus uses this parable to encourage us not to lose heart in prayer. God is certainly not like the reluctant judge; God is a loving Father who listens and cares deeply for us. God may not always answer in the way or timing we expect, but God always hears our prayers.

So, let’s be people of prayer — steady, hopeful, and trusting. Encourage one another, as Aaron and Hur did for Moses, and keep believing in God’s faithfulness. Persevering in prayer does not just change our circumstances — it changes us. It draws us deeper into the grace and love of the One who never ever gives up on us.

By Fr. Thomas O'Brien a.a.