17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Genesis 18:20-32 II: Col 2:12-14

¹ He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."
² And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
³ Give us each day our daily bread;
⁴ and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."
⁵ And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves;
⁶ for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him';
⁷ and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'?
⁸ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
⁹ And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
¹⁰ For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
¹¹ What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;
¹² or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

• (v.1) "Jesus was praying." Luke puts a prayer in front important event, such as Baptism, Transfiguration, and Crucifixion. This passage is not only preceded by prayer but also about prayer, and is emphasized by Luke.

  "Teach us to pray." A prayer often distinguishes a community. For example, the Hail Mary marks the Catholics. A prayer can also summarize a catechism and teach people how to live.

  Prayer and control: Peasants in Jesus' world are controlled by landowners, tax collectors, leaders, weather, climate, and ultimately God. If they could influence God or a good patron through prayers, they can gain some control and get more for their needs.

• (v.2) "Father" gives children more than what they deserve by their efforts and abilities alone. If all peoples have the same father, then they are all brothers and sisters.

  "Hallowed be your name." The true nature of God's name or identity would be revealed when evils no longer defile God's creatures, including our hearts and minds.

  "Kingdom" of God would unite people of different races, sexes, classes, etc.

• (v.3) "Bread" is the simple food to sustain life. Our life, both body and soul, depends on God for basic nourishment.
• (v.4) "Sins" of people, including Jesus' followers, are forgiven by the loving Father-God.

  "Temptation" in Luke is always bad and does not lead to any positive outcome such as strengthening of characters.

• (vv.5-8) Mediterranean custom obliges hospitality to people who pass by the village. So the one who did not get out of bed also should share that obligation. To protect his honor, he must get up to fulfill his part to the obligation.
• (vv.9-13) God will also preserve His honor by providing for his children.

Jesus teaches us how to pray and live according God's rule of love.

1. Do I need God? What, or who, controls my life? Am I too comfortable and self-sufficient to pray?
2. Does the "Our Father" prayer give me an identity? A rule of conduct, a catechism? The new Catechism has a lengthy section on this prayer.

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A synthesis by the Vietnamese Christian Life (Dong Hanh) Community