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.)
For some people, going to Mass can seem like a “Catholic workout” of genuflect-stand-sit-kneel…repeat, repeat. Yet these postures all have a crucial part to play in our prayer as they form our faith. In this third of six presentations on the Eucharist, we discover how different postures enhance the depth and power of the sacraments.
