28 July 2013
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In images of the Sacred Heart, we are invited to behold the tremendous, unbelievable outpouring of love from Jesus’ heart. He shows us His heart, broken so that ours could be healed. God’s infinite mercy is reflected here, but Jesus’ humanity bears the entire, crushing burden of this love. It is truly amazing. Though this love is infinite, Jesus wants to get us involved, too. Above all, He wants us to pray, to ask for mercy and forgiveness for ourselves and for others.
The story of Abraham negotiating with the Lord over the fate of Sodom is a vivid one. It pulls on our hearts since it so clearly portrays God’s mercy. Time and time again, it seems like Abraham is asking too much, yet God never hesitates to be more and more indulgent. All it takes is for Abraham to ask.
Here is an essential yet simple lesson for us: We must pray to God for mercy – for ourselves, and for others. Could it be possible that God has unbelievable mercy in store for us and for our world, and all we have to do is ask with persistence and trust? And if we do not care enough to ask, could it be possible that God will take our lack of concern quite seriously? Undoubtedly this is a mystery – yet let us follow the example of Abraham, our father in faith.