July 24, 2016
17th Sunday Ordinary Time
Last weekend Abraham gave us an example of hospitality as he and Sarah welcomed three mysterious strangers into their camp – “entertaining angels unaware.†Today, in the Book of Genesis, Abraham is an example of a person humble, persistent and bold in prayer. Chapter 18 describes God hiding from Abraham what the Lord plans to do. But Abraham seems to know what God intends to do. Abraham pleads with God to change his mind. Abraham appeals to God: “If only there are 50 innocent people in the city would you wipe out the place?†God is willing to spare the city for the sake of the innocent. Abrahams presses the argument: what if 45? What if 40? What if 30 What if 20? What if 10 are innocent? Abraham presumes to beg God even though he is but dust and ashes. Abraham knows the soft spot in God’s heart. “God is slow to anger and rich in mercy.â€
Jesus is a person of prayer. His disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus calls God – “Father.†And then simply and directly Jesus prays: “Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins (for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us) and do not subject us to the final test.†Jesus gives us more than words to say but a pattern of prayer. A five finger prayer: Blessed be God; Kingdom come; Bread for the day; Forgive; and Save us from the final test. Jesus prays to God with affection. Jesus urges us to be persistent in our prayer and to be confident. “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.†Jesus assures us that God “Father†is eager to give the Holy Spirit to those who dare to ask. With Abraham we may begin by praying to change the mind of God but when we pray for the Holy Spirit we are acknowledging where fundamental change must begin – in us!
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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
