Reflections on Sunday's Mass: July 25, 2010

This Sunday is the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme of “persistence” is evident in our Hebrew and New Testament Scriptures: persistence in seeking justice and persistence in our prayer.

Gen. 18: 20-32 It is obvious that Abraham had a strong relationship with God that enabled him to question God around the balance of justice. Our Hebrew scripture reading conveys a generous, forgiving and compassionate God. What is your concept of God?

Colossians 2: 12-14 Our living the Paschal Mystery, our daily dyings and risings happen due to our faith in “the power of God” symbolized by the cross of Jesus Christ. Christ’s life, death and resurrection has freed us.

Luke 11:1-3 Jesus’ spirituality was filial. He had an intimate relationship with God and offers us, God’s children, that same relationship. Our prayer should be similar to the content of the “Our Father”. Each day when we pray we should ask for daily bread (spiritual as well as physical), forgiveness, gaining strength to overcome temptation, and wanting God’s kin(g)dom to be realized. Our persistence in prayer shows our trust in God. All that we receive from God is good. God’s greatest gift to us is the Holy Spirit. How, and when have you experienced the Holy Spirit?