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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — July 24, 2022

Bishop’s Reflections

July 24, 2022

Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click HERE for the readings.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — July 24, 2022

Today’s First Reading and the Gospel encourage us to be persistent in prayer.

In the Book of Genesis, Abraham pleads with God to save Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of the innocent people who live within those wicked cities. Abraham is actually bartering with God. God listens to Abraham’s intercessory prayer and says that, indeed, if at least ten innocent people are found within those cities, he will not destroy them. Unfortunately, not even ten good people could be found. Still, the innocent family of Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was permitted to flee unharmed. God would not destroy those who were good. He had answered the prayer of Abraham in that way.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus states that if we ask, we will receive. If we seek we shall find. If we knock, the door will be opened for us.

But God is not a genie who gives us everything we desire. He gives us only what is good for us. Jesus tells us to ask for the Holy Spirit, which will never be denied us. To ask for the Holy Spirit is to ask for something of great value.

Yes, sometimes we believe our prayers are not being heard, so we give up. We should not. We should be persistent. God always hears our prayers. Sometimes the answer is “no.” But there is always a hearing and always a response. God desires our good, after all. God desires our salvation.

Let us never fail to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit and then pray for what is good and holy for others and for ourselves. As Alfred Lord Tennyson said, “More things are wrought in by prayer than this world dreams of.”

Have a blessed week everyone.

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