HOMILY FOR THE 17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: “ASK, SEARCH, KNOCK”
BY: Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY JULY 24 2022
This is the 17th Sunday in ordinary time. Persistence in prayer yields fruitful result. Anyone who prays always must be heard. God hears the cries of those who call upon him. Abraham’s persistence in bargaining calmed down the anger of God (cf. Gen. 18:20 – 32). The presence of one just person can save a whole nation. That just person could be you.
When we Ask, Search and knock, to do good, we must not get tired. ThIs is equally important when we ask God to forgive us our sins. To be forgiven requires persistence in begging and seeking to be reconciled. Continuous asking for forgiveness moves God to pity. For “he has forgiven us all our sins” (Col. 2:12 – 14).
Our persistence in doing good calms down the wrath of God and paves our way to heaven. Jesus knows that we are full of evil intents. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good…” He assures us of his forgiving mercy. He encourages us to persist in praying. “So l say to you: ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Lk. 11:1-13). Since we have been assured that we shall receive good things from God, let us persist in praying for peace in the world. Happy Sunday and may God bless you all.
Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu