Readings for Sunday, July 24, 2016 — 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13
Suggested Reflection Questions:
In today’s first reading, Abraham barters with God for mercy on the innocent in Sodom and Gomorrah. This is one of the first instances of intercessory prayer in Scripture. How does Abraham approach God? Why does Abraham have to ask God to do something that is just?
The psalmist sings of how the Lord has answered him on the day he called for help. How do we see God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness even when our prayers seem to go unanswered?
Jesus teaches his friends about the importance of persistence in prayer. If God already knows what we need and what we want, why should we pray persistently?
