Memorial of Saint Irenaeus
June 28, 2021
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Genesis 18:16-33
It’s now clear that one of Abraham’s guests is no one less than the Lord himself. Their dialogue is instructive. First of all, they relate as friends. Why shouldn’t God tell Abraham what’s on his mind?
Secondly, when Abraham asks God about reducing the number of innocent people for whom the city would be spared, he’s not haggling to get God to go easy on Sodom. He’s trying to get a grasp on how God makes decisions.
Finally, the passage teaches us that God listens to prayer if the prayer is persevering. Abraham needs to keep praying so that he will understand God’s answer when it comes.
God wants to be friends with us all. We need to be responsive to his outreach.
