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First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah have been identified with the consequences of immoral living. There have even been found graffiti of the names of the two cities found on the walls of Pompeii, as it was undergoing destruction by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Abraham acts as a mediator before the Lord on behalf of the inhabitants of the city of Sodom, where his nephew, Lot, resided. He pleaded that the innocent and guilty should not be “treated alike,” that “the judge of all the world act with justice.” He asks that the guilty be forgiven for the sake of the just who abide among them. Abraham bargained down to 10 innocent people in the city with the Lord. Yet not even that small number was found to save the city. God will not destroy Lot with the guilty ones in the city. Lot and his family will be permitted to leave and avoid destruction (Gn 19:15).
Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14
Paul looked upon the descent into the baptismal waters as a death to a former way of life. Rising from the waters, the Christian enters the risen life with Christ. But it is not this religious act, which miraculously erases the death of sin. Paul asserts that “even when you were dead. . .he brought you to life along with Him.” The singular action of Christ on the Cross removed the barriers that prevented the possibility of forgiveness and new life.
To be “brought to life” does not refer to the physical resurrection, as though it already happened. In the first part of this passage, Paul explains that it is “through faith in the power of God” that connects the believer with Jesus Christ. Death is associated with living in a sinful condition. They existed outside the cult to the Lord, and thus outside the presence of the Lord. Paul then switches to an inclusive “us,” in the effect of the forgiveness of “all our transgressions.” There is an important element in the community of life.
Gospel: Luke 11:1-13
The Lord’s Prayer in the Gospel of Luke is much shorter than the one in Matthew, which is used in our liturgical prayer. The evangelist expands upon the connection of the prayer with the actions of the believer in dealing with the needs of those around him. Good deeds are a profession of faith in the goodness of God.
This passage occurs immediately after the story of Martha and Mary, a passage which often has been used to compare the active and contemplative aspects of Christian life. In this prayer, a message of communion with God as Father, the nourishment for doing our daily tasks, as well as being in harmony with God and with others are combined.
Luke emphasizes the essential dependence upon God: “Give us each day our daily bread.” Could it be an allusion to the manna in the desert, which came daily? The later Christian community extended the meaning to include the Eucharist, as we have placed the Matthean version of the prayer just before the communion rite in the Mass. One commentator describes “daily” bread as “that which characterizes us.” The following petition of forgiveness may also be a parallel with the daily practice of faith. Forgiveness is not just offered to the fellow believer, but to “everyone in debt to us.” The “final test” is not just a single temptation. It is a pressure to abandon the Christian life, succumbing to human frailty.
The passage continues with the importance of prayerful petition being insistent, especially on behalf of another, the friend who has come “from a journey.” The appeal is also made to a “friend.” There is an interconnection among those who are in need and those who provide. One serves as a link to the other. There is also an emphasis on hospitality, something that is provided without being earned.
The final part of the reading assures the petitioner that God will answer more certainly and with greater liberality than any human relationship. The evangelist contrasts something bad with something good: a snake opposed to a fish, a scorpion opposed to an egg. Then, the author makes the greatest contrast between the closeness of human relationship and the actions of “the Father in heaven.” He says: “How much more. . .” It is based on the experience of the faithful believer.
The generosity of people to the needs of the Church always amazes me! It shouldn’t, since I have seen it so many times. Yet not long ago, a woman sold her recently deceased mother’s house and gave a significant portion of what she got from the sale to the Church. No engraved gift in Church was required. There was no stipulation where the money should go. There was just a trust that we would use it, as we had every donation, for the greatest good. I considered it to be an awesome act of charity. It definitely questioned and challenged my own motives and meager acts of charity in comparison.
These simple acts of faith by others remind me that there is an even greater gift bestowed upon us, as we celebrate the mysteries of faith each day that point to greater gifts, which are yet to be bestowed by the Lord.
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
