The theme common to our First Reading and Gospel today is perseverance in prayer.  Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge.  For a long time he refuses to give a decision but the perseverance of a widow in coming to him and badgering him for justice forces him to do so.  God is not unjust but sometimes he makes us wait until the time is right.  We must not give up on prayer even though it may turn out that what we ask for is not in God’s judgement for the best.  In the first reading Moses grows physically tired holding up his hands in supplication during a battle and Aaron and Hur literally support his arms until the Israelites win the battle.  When we are exhausted or disheartened we too need the support of others in our prayer and it is good for us not only to pray for other people but to encourage them by telling them that we are doing so.