Memorial of St. Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
It never seems just to punish an entire group for the faults of a few. It is not fair to the innocent, and likewise, it often does not send the right message to the offenders, for whom hopefully the intent is amendment. In a parish, there are times where a priest must correct behavior, sometimes liturgical practice. I recall trying to speak in general about Eucharistic piety and focus when I was actually speaking to a group of high school boys who were not kneeling during the consecration at Mass but instead standing in the back and chatting. What was the result? Every little old lady in that church thanked me for my admonition and those teens continued to loiter during the holiest of events that occurs on this planet!
Abraham beseeches God to halt his just wrath against the offending many for the sake a few innocent persons. His ancestor Noah was called only a great man in his own age because he sought salvation from the flood for his own family from God. Abraham is called a great man in every age because he sought salvation for the many, even when they were undeserving. The fact that Abraham would be so bold as to bargain with God tells us both of the great dignity God has created us in and the efficacy of prayer. We might think that very little conversion happens by our prayer, but we may never know to eyes of flesh how God is answering our prayers. Indeed, though our little words may never reach the intended audience, the Lord hears our supplications and may be saving whole cities.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections