Homily for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary TIme

Today's readings remind us that our prayers arise from the belief in receiving goodness from Our Lord, even if we sometimes pray for fear of punishment. In the First Reading, the Lord sends angels to investigate Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham, concerned for his cousin Lot, questions God's justice in punishing the righteous alongside the wicked. The Lord promises to spare the cities for the sake of the righteous, but ultimately, He destroys them. However, He rescues Lot's family, showing that goodness was still acknowledged amidst judgment.

The Second Reading contrasts this by highlighting how Jesus bore the weight of sin and faced destruction on the Cross, bearing the consequences for others. In Baptism, we experience a symbolic death and rise to new life, representing liberation from sin, much like Jesus' physical sacrifice.

In today's Gospel, Our Lord illustrates His love and commitment through the example of friendship and persistence. The friend seeking assistance emphasizes the importance of relying on God, who is both a friend and a loving Father. We can confidently pray to God for our needs, trusting that He will provide in His way and in His time. 

St. Thérèse of Lisieux highlights this through her prayer for Henri Pranzini, a triple murderer sentenced to death who showed absolutely no remorse. Concerned for his eternal fate, Thérèse prayed for his repentance. At his execution, Pranzini showed a change of heart, asking for a crucifix and kissing it three times. The story of his change from a lack of remorse and Thérèse's prayer for him exemplifies the transformative power of prayer and divine mercy.

As you reflect on today's Scriptures and their message about prayer, take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify the intention that is most important to you right now.

Consider your motivations for asking for this intention. Be open to changing it if you feel that God is calling you to do so, especially if it will benefit others.

Jesus teaches us that anyone who asks will receive, anyone who seeks will find, and to anyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Keeping this in mind helps us to persevere in our prayers.