Let’s look at some of the main themes in the readings for the 17th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Genesis 18:20-32

• The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are filled with grave sin, causing God to consider their destruction.
• Abraham “bargains” with God, securing the Lord’s promise that if only 10 innocent people are still living in the city of Sodom it will not be destroyed.

Psalm – 138:1-3,6-8

• “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”
• God’s mercy protects the humble who seek God in prayer and daily practice.

2nd Reading – Colossians 2:12-14

• Through baptism Christians die and rise with Jesus.
• It is the Cross of Christ that frees us from our sins.

Gospel – Luke 11:1-13

• Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer to the disciples (slightly shorter than the one found in Matthew 6:9-13.)
• The Lord’s Prayer is followed by a reflection on petitionary prayer, where the disciple asks and receives good things from God. (Note, this is different from the Gospel of Matthew which follows up with a reflection on forgiveness.)

Mass Readings – 17th Sunday of the Year

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