In the book of Exodus, we are given an image of the Lord helping his people to victory so long as their leaders’ hands are raised – a symbol of prayer and faith in the Lord. As soon as that droops, so too does the help of the Lord. This should not be construed as his not wanting to help, but rather, his respecting our free will, that he will only be present in such a way so long as we continue to ask/be in a true posture of openness to him.
Jesus in today’s parable makes a similar illustration. This is meant to encourage us to maintain this stance before the Lord, to persevere in our faithfulness. However, he also issues a challenge. Indeed, when he comes, whenever and however that may be, how will he find us? This is similar to his other sayings that caution us to constant vigilance, resilience and the like. Consider just how quickly things can drastically change forever in an instant. These teachings are meant to help us keep an even keel, in as much as we can, during such trials.
Returning to our first image in Exodus, we are taught that this task is not meant to be totally solitary. Just as Moses needed the assistance of Aaron and Hur, so too does each of us require the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ to remain steadfast. This benefit is not only for those directly involved, but has wider repercussions as well.
St. Paul elsewhere likewise mentions the importance of constant prayer and fellowship. Here though, he exhorts us not so much to speak constantly to God as to instead be attentive to what he says to us in Sacred Scripture – and to grow in and to share such fruits broadly. St. Jerome once famously said, “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Since we are seeking a meaningful relationship with Christ, perhaps part of our keeping his words to us today is to spend more time with him in Scripture and sharing it beyond only in church.
– Aaron Neiva
