My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you! If there’s one common thread weaving through all of today’s readings, it is this: God listens. And not only does God listen, He listens with a heart full of mercy. But this divine mercy is not passive. It is moved, awakened, and even deepened through our persistence in prayer—a persistence rooted in faith and trust.
Let us begin with Abraham in our first reading from Genesis. What an extraordinary exchange between a mere mortal and the Creator of the universe! Abraham doesn’t just pray—he intercedes boldly. He negotiates, almost like a child bartering with a parent. He goes from fifty righteous people all the way down to ten. And through it all, what is God’s response? Patience. Mercy. A willingness to relent.
This is not a story about an angry God reluctantly persuaded by a crafty human. No, it’s a window into the heart of God—a God who is not looking for reasons to punish, but for even the smallest excuse to show compassion. Abraham’s prayer reveals something essential: we can draw near to God with our concerns, our boldness, and even our bargaining hearts—because He listens.
This idea is taken even further in the Gospel today. The disciples watch Jesus praying, and they ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” And in response, Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer—a prayer that is both simple and profound. In it, we acknowledge God’s holiness, seek His kingdom, ask for our daily needs, and request forgiveness and protection. But Jesus doesn’t stop at teaching us what to pray. He teaches us how to approach prayer—with persistence.
He tells the parable of the friend who knocks at midnight. The point is not that God is reluctant and we need to wear Him down. No, the point is that God is even more generous and more attentive than the best human parent or friend. Jesus tells us: Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Persistence in prayer does not change God—it changes us. It builds our trust. It draws us closer to the heart of the Father. And it opens us to the gift Jesus promises at the end of today’s Gospel: the Holy Spirit. God is not stingy with His grace. He delights in giving us good things—especially His own presence.
Now, let’s turn to St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Here we see the fruit of God’s mercy in the most powerful way. Paul reminds us that through Christ’s death and resurrection, our sins have been forgiven. The record of our transgressions—our debt—has been nailed to the cross. This is what God’s mercy ultimately looks like: not simply sparing us from judgment, but bringing us to life with Christ. Our baptism unites us with Jesus, and through that union, we are never left alone, no matter how far we stray or how lost we feel.
So what can we take home today?
Let me suggest three simple but vital takeaways:
- Be Bold in Prayer: Like Abraham, dare to speak to God from the depths of your heart. Don’t be afraid to ask, question, and intercede—especially for others.
- Be Persistent in Prayer: Like the friend knocking at midnight, do not give up. Bring your needs to God daily. He is not deaf to your cries, even when the answer takes time.
- Trust in God’s Mercy: The God we approach is not indifferent or harsh. He is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts—especially the gift of Himself.
As we continue in this Eucharist, where Christ makes Himself present among us once again, let us pray with confidence. Let us knock with hope. And let us receive with gratitude the mercy and life God so freely offers.
“Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”
May that be our song not only today but every day. Amen.
Add comment
Comments