ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
In our readings this week, we begin with a rather remarkable exchange between Abraham and God. God has grown weary of the sinfulness of the people of Sodom and sets out to find out what kind of punishment they shall endure. Abraham greets God and intercedes for Sodom, begging God not to sweep away the innocent with the guilty. Abraham bargains with God asking if God would relent if 50 innocent people were found. And if 50, would God relent for 45; and if 45, what about 40; and so on. . .
Abraham knows he is pushing his luck since with every bargain, he begs God not be angry for asking for a little more mercy.
In the Gospel, too, we hear Jesus stress the importance of persistence when we ask. “Ask and you shall receive; knock and the door will be opened.”
Thus, the message is simple: our prayers to God are aided by our relationship with God.
CLICK HERE for the readings for 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13)