The spirit and identity of the true God we believe in, clearly breaks through today, in the scripture readings. God's message this week is about how humans can cultivate a genuine friendship with the divine; and this message can be summed up in three simple threads: faith, prayer, and persistence.

The first reading portrays Abraham as a wee bit of a prayerful, persistent but friendly nuisance who has established a solid relationship with the Almighty. He is honest and secure enough with the Lord, to consistently pester and plead for the salvation of innocent people who live in the midst of Sodom and Gomorrah's sinful society. In the Gospel, we meet Jesus affirming Abraham's approach to his Father. Teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus presents the lesson in a direct and simple way by telling them: "ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Unfortunately right now, the 21st century reflects some sinful vibes of Abraham's world. Listening to news stations 24/7, there is always a report on the war in Afghanistan, poverty, unemployment, and personal turmoil. Often, many of us experience inner conflict between feeling a call to deep faith on one hand and yet deep emptiness on the other. The negative energy can overshadow positive faith-filled energy and can make one wonder: "Who and where is God?"

This week, the Word of God reminds us that Abraham's faith in prayer and the teachings of Jesus have stood the test of time. Clearly, we are invited to embrace God's reality and live the truth we profess. Our God lives within us, loves us all the days of our lives, and is always ready to converse with us. Prayer is the channel that connects us to our life-giving source and is the only way to establish a relationship with Holy Energy. Prayer is for healing and strengthening and is nourishment for the soul. Prayer is a release from human loneliness and bonds us with the indwelling Trinity; Creator God, Jesus Savior, and Spirit Enlightener. Prayer is the stabilizing force that gives us reliable hope for good in our personal lives and in the world. Faith and prayer together is the only way to trust and peace.

Sr. Shirley Jeffcott, O.P.