Because He Loves Us and Cares.
Dear Parishioners,
War is never good. It does not matter who wages it. Everybody suffers. It denigrates humanity and goes against every good thing God has destined for us. The history of humanity is filled with stories of wars, conflicts and insurrections. Even in our modern era, it seems there is no solution to resolving problems between individuals, states and nations.
Our first reading today tells the story of the war between the Amalekites and Israelites and how the outcome was determined not by the military prowess but by the prolonged assistance of God through Moses. Could this mean that God sanctions wars and conflicts? Not at all. War remains a defeat to humanity and goes against God’s command to love your neighbor. However, it is important to consider the context of this battle that Israel was forced to deal with.
After many years of cruelty and slavery, Israelites found freedom with the help of Moses and left Egypt for freedom in pursuit of the Promised Land. Their encounter with the Amalekites was for them a battle of survival. They had no army, weaponry or resources. They were refugees, with scars of humiliation, slavery and no destination. They were vulnerable and traumatized at the hand of Pharaoh and the exposure to the elements of the wilderness. It was a gruesome journey began with faith in God and Moses, but they were not sure where, how and when the end would be.
Therefore, God made a promise to sustain and defend them from their enemies. We recall what happened in Chapter fourteen of the book of Exodus: the crossing of the Red Sea and victory over Pharaoh’s army. Wandering in the wilderness for so long took a toll on the people. Their frustration resulted in anger, bitterness and doubts of God’s presence among them. It seems that the threat of war from the Amalekites gave a reason for Moses to reassure his frightened people that anyone with God will always emerge triumphant. Therefore, he raised his hands up in prayer to God as the battle raged. As long as Moses’ arms remained in an upright prayerful position, the Israelites won.
We learn that continued steadfastness in prayer brings victory. Prayer is a necessary means of communicating with God because it unites us with him. We cannot relent or become discouraged when immediate desires are not received. The Israelites came to understand that military power does not necessarily mean victory. Rather one who has God will always emerge victorious. Pharaoh and the Amalekites would come to learn this lesson in a costly fashion. Sadly, we are watching horrors of war before our eyes: The Russian atrocities in Ukraine, the Islamic Jihadist’s terrorizing people in Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Cameroun and Burkina Faso. The war in Yamen and endless conflicts in Middle-East especially among the Israel and Palestine.
In the gospel, Jesus goes further to teach us the value of persistent prayer. Constancy in prayer is another way of renewing friendship with God. It draws us closer to him when we present our needs. It also expresses our dependency on him. There are times when we wonder if God is listening to us. Sometimes our prayers seem to fall on a deaf ear. Sometimes He seems to grant the opposite of what we ask. It is difficult to understand, but God is always mindful of our needs.
Jesus makes a unique comparison; if a dishonest judge can respond to a persistent widow, a loving and generous God will do far better. It is true that not all of our prayers are answered the way we want, but we must remember that perseverance in prayer strengthens our faith. It is important that we trust him. The Israelites were doubtful, but every step of the way, the Lord provided for them because he loved them.
Therefore, love, faith and prayer are inseparable. Our faith in God and his love for us and our trust in him cannot be separated. Unlike the corrupt judge who had no love in his heart and does not care about others, God will hear us if we pray to him because he loves us and has infinite patience. God’s presence is most available when we are vulnerable and weak. He cares.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
