Jesus speaks of the fire he brings to the earth as he approaches his baptism, inviting us to embrace the flame of faith to purify our hearts and be ready to stand with Christ.
Following Peter’s speech, the crowd is cut to the heart and asks what they must do. Peter’s response to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit inspires us to live our faith with an ongoing conversion of heart as the Spirit guides us throughout our lives.
As Jesus is baptized, the Father’s voice is heard from Heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” May these words inspire us to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
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.)
When asked if he was the Christ, John the Baptist redirected the crowd to the coming of Jesus. His humility offers us an example about how to live our lives as we follow the Lord.
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