Martha affirms her deep friendship with Jesus and professes that he is the Son of God, inspiring us to grow ever closer to Christ as both savior and friend.
Jesus uses two parables about a mustard seed and yeast to show how the Kingdom of heaven starts small and proceeds with slow and steady growth. May our own faith do the same!
The parables of Jesus were offered because the people were not ready to receive him, reminding us that we who are blessed with the gift of faith are invited to respond to Christ with swift action.
Here are some of the main themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 17th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Genesis 18:20-32
Seeing the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, God goes down to determine their punishment.
Abraham bargains with God, pleading that even if there are only ten innocent people, God will not destroy it.
Psalm – 138:1-3,6-8
“Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”
We give thanks for God’s kindness and truth, calling upon the Lord when our enemies threaten us.
2nd Reading – Colossians 2:12-14
In baptism we were buried and raised with Christ.
Nailed to the cross, the bond of sin has been obliterated.
Gospel – Luke 11:1-13
When a disciple asks Jesus to teach them to pray, Christ gives them the Lord’s Prayer (Luke’s version.)
Jesus then offers a parable about persistence, reminding the disciples to ask, seek, and knock for what they need as they trust in the love of their heavenly Father.
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