Angie's List

Seeing how laity support priestly arms to bless

10/20/2019

Exodus 17:8-13 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, "Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses'hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

A fundamental fact of our faith is that lay persons help the ordained ministers to fulfill our sacred functions. For example, lay people’s financial donations pay the bills - keep it coming! The laity’s faith permeate the public square like leaven raising the bread of the world and making it more Christian. A Catholic lay person can be president, like John F. Kennedy, but a Catholic priest cannot, like John K Antony. Lay people invite me to bless their home and give me supper to fill my tank, so I can keep rolling down the road. There is no way I could run a parish alone, or oversee a Catholic a school alone, or be administrator of a mission church alone. An ancient proverb teaches: “He who thinks he is leading but has not followers is only going for a walk.” No one leads alone.

The book of

Exodus 17 describes how Moses, God’s chosen instrument to deliver the Jews from slavery in Egypt, also needed the help of two assistants, Aaron and Hur, to fulfill his intercessory/priestly role. During the Battle of Rephidim, where the Israelites fought the Amelekites Moses raised his arms in prayer and blessing, and the Israelites were victorious. Think of Moses’ raised arms like the University of Notre Dame’s “Touchdown Jesus.” But when Moses’ arms grew weary, and he lowered them, the Amalekites had the upper hand. They literally raised their hands in victory. Aaron and Hur stationed themselves on either side to support Moses’ arms and the Israelites won the day. A priest cannot run a parish alone, and Moses could not bless the people alone. Every leading actor is surrounded on stage by a supporting cast.

Today I am going to lean on a lay person, like Moses leaned on Aaron and Hur, to help me with this homily, namely, Ms. Angie Elser, the mother of Fr. Stephen Elser, now pastor of St. Paul’s in Pocahontas. She developed a catchy way to sanctify the whole week; it’s a spiritual version of “Angie’s List.” She wrote: “My children and I translated and reinvented the simplicity of the popular social media days (Man Crush Monday, Twin Tuesday, Woman Crush Wednesday, Throw-back Thursday and Flashback Friday) into acronyms with attainable resolutions that have helped us grow each day in holiness.”

She began with: “Sabbath Sunday” - We are to rest just as God rested on the 7th day of creation. He gave us this example- we simply should follow His lead and rest while honoring Him in His glory.

“Me Monday” - Mondays can be tough with the start of a new week. A moment on Monday is dedicated to me. I either exercise or take a walk, slowly enjoy a cup of coffee, or wrap myself in a warm towel fresh out of the dryer, take a power nap, sing while driving, skim a magazine, or indulge in chocolate. Mondays have built-in moments for me.

“Thoughtful Tuesday” - Tuesdays are dedicated to thinking of others- to see the good in others, to help others, to pray for others, to simply be selfless placing emphasis and focus on the needs of others.

“Worship Wednesday” - Wednesday is mid-week. Worshiping God in an extra way (a prayer, Mass, adoration hour, rosary, Bible study etc.) is important to help keep my mind centered and focused on Christ.” By the way, Angie didn’t mention this, but Protestants have sanctified Wednesday long before we Catholics did. Protestants can help Catholics raise our hands, too.

Angie continued: “Thankful Thursday” - Thanking others and most importantly God is key in growing in holiness. Be thankful on Thursdays.” By the way, may I add that Jesus gave us the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday, and “Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving.” What day does the national holiday of Thanksgiving fall on each year?

Angie went on: “Forgiving Friday” - Forgiveness is humbling. Fridays I think of those whom I have offended and ask for their forgiveness. I also accept forgiveness from those who have offended me.

“Silent Saturday” - Saturdays I try hard to hold my tongue- to not speak unkindly of another and to rein in any words that may insult or hurt another. It’s also a day to be silent on social media- no scrolling, no posting, no time wasting. Saturday is silent in order to get all my chores and errands done so that I can rest the following day and begin again with “Sabbath Sunday.” That’s the end of Angie’s list.

Folks, Moses could not defeat the Amelekites alone, and I could not write this homily alone. Whenever we feel we’re alone, we suffer from a sort of spiritual illusion. The truth is we are always surrounded by saints and angels, seen and unseen, who support us and hold us up. I hope Angie’s List will help us hold up our hands in prayer every day. Then, we can score spiritual touchdowns all week, not just on Sabbath Sundays.

Praised be Jesus Christ!