HOMILY FOR THE TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C (19TH OCTOBER, 2025)

This is your usual programme: 'GOD IS WITH YOU' by your humble servant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bartholomew Koroma, CSSp. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, commonly known as Spiritans. Our First Reading is coming from Exodus 17:8-13. In this passage, the Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim during their journey through the desert. Amalekites were the nomadic descendants of Esau (cf. Gen. 36:12), often enemies of Israel. Their attack is unprovoked and marks the start of a prolonged hostility (cf. Deut. 25:17–19). Moses replies by directing Joshua to select men and take them into battle. At the same time, Moses ascends a hill along with Aaron and Hur, holding the staff of God. During the battle, a miraculous phenomenon occurs: while Moses keeps his hands raised, the Israelites succeed; however, when he drops them, the Amalekites take the lead. Understanding the importance of Moses' uplifted hands, Aaron and Hur assist him by providing a stone for him to sit on and raising his hands, one on either side. The Second Reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, 3:14-4:2. In this passage, St. Paul urges Timothy to stay firm in the Gospel's truth. Paul encourages him to persist in what he has been taught and firmly believes from the Scriptures and trustworthy mentors, reminding him that the Holy Scriptures can make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Paul highlighted the power and authority of Scripture, noting that "God inspires all Scripture" and it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (cf. 3:16-17). The Gospel of today is from Luke 18:1-8. In this Gospel, Jesus shares a parable to illustrate to His disciples the importance of unwavering prayer and maintaining faith. Jesus centers this story on a widow who persistently asks for justice from a judge who neither fears God nor cares about people. Although the judge initially refuses to help her, he eventually gives in, not because of justice, but out of tiredness from her constant requests. Jesus illustrates this parable to emphasize the difference between the unfair judge and God, who is just and merciful. If a dishonest and evil judge reacts to continual requests, how much greater will God's response be to the relentless prayers of His followers? Jesus promises His followers that God will swiftly deliver justice for His elect who call on Him continuously, both day and night.