There is a lovely story about a little boy who once asked his grandmother, “Grandma, why do you pray every day?” She smiled and said, “I pray daily because God loves hearing from me, and I love remembering that I am not alone.” This simple truth captures the essence of today’s readings: prayer as an expression of faith that endures.

In Exodus, Moses stands on the hill with hands lifted toward heaven as Israel battles Amalek. When his arms grow weary, Aaron and Hur hold them up. It is a powerful image of the Church as a praying community, faithful people who uphold one another before God. Moses’ posture foreshadows Christ on the Cross, arms stretched wide in eternal intercession for us. In Him, all our prayers find their voice and power.

The persistent widow in the Gospel reminds us that authentic prayer is not about persuading God but trusting Him enough to keep praying even when the answer seems delayed. Jesus invites us to persevere in faith, knowing that the Father’s silence is never absence; God is working in ways we may not yet see.

Saint Paul’s words to Timothy strengthen this message. He calls him to remain faithful to Scripture and to proclaim the Word “whether convenient or inconvenient.” Faith grows through the Word and is sustained in prayer. To persevere in both is to walk daily with Christ.

And here, at the heart of our faith, stands the Eucharist, the summit of all prayer. Each Mass is our participation in Christ’s own intercession before the Father. Here, we bring our struggles, hopes, and petitions, and unite them with His perfect offering of love. The altar becomes our Mount of Prayer, where weary hands are lifted, hearts are renewed, and grace flows like living water.

So, my friends, keep praying. Like Moses, lift your hands; like the widow, keep knocking; like Paul, stay faithful to the Word. For in prayer, in perseverance, and in the Eucharist, God is never late; God is always love; God listens, and God saves always. Shalom!

Your Priest,

Father Charles Enyinnia