29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: Massive Attack, Massive Defense – Play as a team, pray as a team

Personal Testimony: A Winning Strategy

Some of my seminary teammates will remember this slogan well: “Massive attack, massive defense.” That was our soccer team’s slogan back in 2002 during the All-Nigeria Seminary Games. Our team from Seat of Wisdom Seminary came out bold, fearless, and hungry for victory. We went into every match with fire—often securing wins within the first fifteen minutes.

The secret wasn’t just about our individual talents—though we had plenty. What made the difference was the team spirit. Our coach drilled one thing into our heads: This is not about you. It’s about the team. If someone lost the soccer ball, it was everyone’s job to recover it. We pressed forward together; we fell back together. That attitude — massive attack, massive defense formation—won us the trophy for the very first time.

Moses and Joshua: United in Battle

That same strategy shows up in today’s first reading. The Israelites are battling Amalek. Joshua leads the army, while Moses goes up the hill to raise his hands in prayer. But Moses can’t keep his arms up forever. He gets tired. So, what happens? Aaron and Hur step in. One on the left, one on the right—they hold up his arms. And because of that unity, Israel wins. This is the power of collective spiritual effort. It’s not just Joshua with the sword. It’s Moses with the staff. It’s Aaron and Hur with the support. Everyone’s role mattered. That’s how God’s people win their battles.

The Widow Who Wouldn’t Quit

In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow and a judge who didn’t fear God or respect anyone. But this woman just wouldn’t stop coming. She kept showing up with her petition until the judge gave in—not because of justice, but because he was tired of being worn out. Scripture scholars point out that the word for “strike” used in the Greek text (hupoplazo) literally means “to strike under the eye.” The judge feared this poor widow would give him a “spiritual black eye.” That’s how persistent she was.

Jesus uses this story to teach us something crucial: never give up in prayer. If even an unjust judge responds, how much more will our loving Father answer His children who cry out day and night?

The Human Side of Prayer: Holding Hands in Faith

The reality is, many of us get tired of praying. Especially when it feels like nothing’s changing. We carry burdens, cry to God, and sometimes wonder if He hears us. But Scripture tells us that spiritual fatigue is real—even Moses got tired. That’s why we need each other.

Some of us may not have the answers to our neighbors’ problems, but we can hold their hands in prayer. We can be their Aaron or Hur. We can remind them of God's presence and help keep their faith steady when it starts to shake.

Saint Paul’s Model of Mentorship

Paul knew this well. In today’s second reading, he encourages Timothy:“ Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed.” Then he charges him to preach the word, whether convenient or not. Paul’s entire ministry was a team effort. He didn’t do it alone. He had Timothy, Titus, Barnabas, John-Mark, Luke… He built a spiritual network grounded in prayer, Scripture, and mission. That was his version of massive attack, massive defense.

Family and Parish as a Team

In today’s world, where people are increasingly isolated by technology, we must return to the practice of holding hands—literally and spiritually. Families, hold each other’s hands when you pray before meals. Spouses have to support one another when the burdens get heavy. Fathers, you need your Aarons and Hurs. Mothers, please don’t give up on your men. They may be silently weighed down. Form a team! A praying team. God’s team. Because you’re up against an enemy who doesn’t give up easily.

Even within the parish, let us not forget: the priest is like Moses. He can also grow tired. Remind your pastor to keep lifting up the Blessed Sacrament. Support him in prayer. Encourage him when the work gets heavy. When the team leader is strong, the team flourishes.

Play to Win – With Prayer and the Word

The prophet Isaiah says it best, “Even youths grow tired and weary… but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Is. 40:30–31). Let’s hold up the staff of prayers. The battle continues, but victory is sure in Christ Jesus. Let us not faint in asking, in seeking, in knocking. Massive attack, massive defense! That is the winning strategy. Let’s play as a team. Let’s pray as a team.

Readings: Exodus 17:8–13 | 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2 | Luke 18:1–8

Reflection Questions

·       • Who holds up my hands when I am spiritually tired? Whose hands do I hold?

·       • Am I persistent in prayer—or have I been tempted to give up?

·       • How can my family or parish become a stronger team in spiritual battles?