SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST—PROPER 12
July 24, 2022
AS WE GATHER
In the long, difficult path of persevering in faith, sometimes it can seem as if God is distant from our everyday problems, not responding to our prayers. This is a common experience faced by the people of God. Today’s Readings work together to encourage us as we travel the arduous path of following Jesus. Abraham pleads with God on behalf of mercy for the righteous people in the city of Sodom. Will God spare the city for 50 righteous people? 45? 30? 20? 10? The Lord God hears Moses’ pleas and agrees that He will spare the city if even 10 righteous people dwell there. Lot and his family were delivered from Sodom. Moses asked, he sought, he knocked. And God answered. Jesus encourages us to ask, to seek, to knock. Jesus promises that those who ask, receive; those who seek, find; and to those who knock a door will be opened. This doesn’t mean that the answers will always be what we want or that bad things will not happen to us. It does mean that no matter the circumstance, God is there with mercy. Rooted and built up in Jesus, and established in this faith, we are led by God to abound in thanksgiving and to continue to walk in Jesus no matter the circumstances of life.
Bible Readings
FIRST READING: Genesis 18: 20–33
(Abraham pleads to God, and He relents.)
EPISTLE READING: Colossians 2:6–15
(Paul encourages the Colossian Christians to persevere in Christ.)
HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 11:1–13
(Jesus teaches about prayer.)