Gospel Reflections for July 27 2025: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel for July 27 2025 – Luke 11:1-13

Gospel Reflections for July 27 2025

Teach us to pray…

Jesus teaches His followers the famous Our Father prayer, perhaps the very first prayer you learned as a child. It is packed with meaning.

In those days, people lived in great awe of God. They would not say His name out loud or even write His name. Yet Jesus invites you to call God with the most intimate of family names, “Father.” How wonderful is that! 

However, Jesus does not want any confusion with your own father, good or bad, so He adds the word “Our.” That means Our Father in Heaven is a loving father to everyone on the planet! Therefore, we are also all brothers and sisters to each other.  

The English version Our Father ends with, “…and lead us not into temptation.” Many have wondered at those words. Would God actually ever do that? Of course not! It is an unfortunate translation of original ancient Greek words into modern English. 

Other languages, such as Spanish, have a much earlier and better understanding that says, “Let us not fall into temptation.” That accurately affirms that our falling into temptation remains our own personal responsibility.

The Church a few years ago permitted local Bishops around the world that still have the later version to adopt the earlier version if they want. Many have done so. There are no plans right now for English language nations to make this change, but it may happen in the future.

The Gospel ends with the famous line “Ask, and you will receive.” Some people think that just means they will get the big lottery jackpot they’ve been praying for. However, Jesus adds, What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Important idea! 

Our Lord is only interested in your eternal salvation, and only that. Jesus will not grant you what He believes is not good for your salvation …and that may just be very different from what you think you need. 

Perhaps a sudden windfall of a million lottery dollars might actually make your life miserable, and thankfully God already sees that. (See my article “Does your prayer change God’s Mind?”) 

We always rely on the wisdom of God to know what is best for us, how to pray, and how to see those around us as our brothers and sisters. He is truly Our Father.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave