Greetings on this the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Gn 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13
Notes: I am trying to write for Sunday and hope to be back for May 31st Mass.
COVID
Like so many others the COVID virus is gone after the first 10 days. Now I deal with the inflammation and other lung damages that remain after the virus is defeated.
It is a good moral lesson too. The mistake can be in an instant. The effects can last a lifetime.
From American Media:
Pope Francis is about to embark on what he has called “a penitential pilgrimage” to Canada. From July 24 to July 29, he will meet with Indigenous People there to apologize and ask forgiveness, on their land, for abuses perpetrated in largely Catholic Church-run residential schools at the hands of clerics and consecrated religious women and men.
First reading
The immorality of the cities was already hinted at in 13:13, when Lot made his choice to live there. The “outcry” comes from the victims of the injustice and violence rampant in the city, which will shortly be illustrated in the treatment of the visitors. The outcry of the Hebrews under the harsh treatment of Pharaoh (Ex 3:7) came up to God who reacts in anger at mistreatment of the poor (cf. Ex 22:21–23; Is 5:7). Sodom and Gomorrah became types of sinful cities in biblical literature. Is 1:9–10; 3:9 sees their sin as lack of social justice, Ez 16:46–51, as disregard for the poor, and Jer 23:14, as general immorality. In the Genesis story, the sin is violation of the sacred duty of hospitality by the threatened rape of Lot’s guests. From https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/18?20
In short, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah had lost the ability to give good gifts. They could no longer see the Other of themselves. And when that happens all is lost!
Responsorial Psalm
Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Second reading
Brothers and sisters:
You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the power of God,
who raised him from the dead.
Alleluia Verse
You have received a Spirit of adoption,
through which we cry, Abba, Father.
Gospel Portion
The Seven Good Gifts of today’s gospel portion:
- Prayer – direct access to the Father.
- Our Father petitions for Holiness, Kingdom, Bread, Forgiveness, Protection.
- Three loaves of bread – for the traveler by friendship or persistence.
- Ask, Seek and Knock – access to relief.
- Fish of Faith.
- Egg of Hope.
- The Holy Spirit as gift of Charity.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 