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A Word on the Word

Fr. Raymund Benedict "RB" Hizon, SJ

Exodus 17:8-13Psalm 1212 Timothy 3:14- 4:2Luke 18: 1-8<div> </div>One word that threads through today’s readings is perhaps “persistence.” To persist is “to continue with strength” or simply, “to stand firm” (from the Latin prefix per - meaning “thoroughly” + the verb sistere - meaning “to stand”).In the first reading we hear how Israel’s fortunes literally rest on the strength of Moses’ arms: as long as his arms persisted in holding up the staff of God, they had the better of the fight. Israel won the day eventually, though with much help: a rock was put in place for Moses to sit on; meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported both his hands, holding the staff steady till sunset.In the second reading, we are enjoined to proclaim the word persistently; to preach the Word in order to convince, reprimand and encourage one another even when it is inconvenient.Finally, the Gospel presents the image of a wronged widow whose persistence in pestering an unjust judge eventually wins her favorable judgement! Interestingly, while it is naturally the widow who woos us, Jesus draws our sights instead to the unsavory judge and says: “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not the God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.”The parable therefore is not one of comparison but of contrast! Think about it. If such a despicable character is able to secure such a longed-for outcome, how much more can the Lord respond to the deepest longings of your heart? How can your deepest hopes not stand firm upon the Lord whom our responsorial psalm pictures as a guardian who “will not suffer your foot to slip; who neither slumbers nor sleeps, who watches over you, guards your life and beholds you verily as ‘the apple of his eye’ (Ps 16,8)”?When was it, then that you last persisted in prayer? When did you last spend valuable time, “stood firm” or put your “whole strength” that is to say “persisted” patiently in just longing and waiting? When did you last express thanks, hope, frustration or even anger upon God with the same energy or verve as when you stayed up late to review for an exam, worked long hours to finish a project, or waited patiently for a loved one in transit or undergoing a medical procedure; or in just expressing care and concern by being present to another in joy, despair or death? In other words, when did you last persist or express persistence in prayer as you would have over any cause, anything, or anyone? Perhaps it’s about time that you did. And see what this persistence does, not to God, but to you.Some points to ponder or think about in the coming days:1. When did you last pray? Really “pray” beyond a rushed, if habitual ‘Sign of the Cross’ as you passed by a church or before a meal or before you sleep? When did you last “persist” in spending some time with God?2. Pay attention to your prayer. When, where and how do you pray? What do you do? What do you say? Where do you go?3. Notice that for many, prayer is “talking” to God, “asking” from God or “thanking” God. It is also said that prayer is “listening” to God or “waiting” quietly upon God. Do those things mean anything to you?

Persistence isn’t just about endurance — it’s about standing firm in faith. This week’s readings remind us that prayer, like Moses’ upheld arms or the widow’s relentless plea, transforms not God but the one who persists.

Persistence isn’t just about endurance — it’s about standing firm in faith. This week’s readings remind us that prayer, like Moses’ upheld arms or the widow’s relentless plea, transforms not God but the one who persists.

A Word on the Word: The power of persistence in prayer

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A Word on the Word: The power of persistence in prayer

Fr. Raymund Benedict "RB" Hizon,

SJ

Published October 19, 2025 08:00 AM PHT

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A Word on the Word

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