‘Ask, and it will be given to you’
The readings for this Sunday remind us again of the boundless love God offers to those who believe. Our faith in God will be rewarded more than we can imagine, if we but ask in prayer.
God’s mercy for the sinful people of Sodom and Gomorrah is revealed in the First Reading. Abraham pleads with the Lord not to destroy them, even though few good people remain there. Abraham’s persistence and belief in God are an example for us of the power of prayer.
The Psalm similarly speaks of God’s constant faith and mercy. The psalmist offers praise and thanksgiving to the God who hears the cry of the people in distress.
In the Second Reading, Paul reminds the community in the city of Colossae – and ourselves – that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has brought everlasting life and forgiveness for all our sins.
As Jesus teaches the disciples in the Gospel how to pray to the Father, he also encourages us to believe that we can ask God for anything, and that our faith will be rewarded simply because of the immensity of God’s love.
In the week ahead, we might renew our efforts to take every opportunity to show our faith and trust by placing the needs of those who are suffering before the God who loves us all. We particularly remember those who are suffering in war and conflict in Ukraine and beyond.
