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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, July 1, 2025

Scripture:

Genesis 19:15-29
Matthew 8:23-27

Reflection:

Today’s first reading is one of the most dramatic examples of God’s mercy in the Old Testament. The story begins earlier in Genesis with God telling Abraham that Sodom and its people will be destroyed due to their sinful ways. Abraham negotiates with God to save the city if 50 good people can be found. Abraham keeps lowering the bar but not even 10 good people can be found. Finally, God agrees to save Lot and his family from the destruction. The story catches up in today’s reading with two angels telling Lot to leave Sodom before it is destroyed. When Lot keeps delaying, the angels physically lead the family to safety.

In this story we encounter a listening, forgiving God. In other words, a merciful God for our times, too. Unlike human mercy, which can be limited and conditional, God’s mercy is unlimited and unconditional, not earned by us but freely given to us.

God patiently listened to Abraham and spared Lot and his family. When family or friends suffer illnesses, tragedies or personal loss, we respond that they are in our prayers. Do we also pray to God to intercede on behalf of victims of war, poverty, discrimination, and mental health crises? Do we have faith that God will listen to our prayers?

When God first tells Abraham that Sodom will be destroyed, no exception was made for Lot. We can speculate that Lot most likely delayed leaving Sodom because he was comfortable there despite the depravity of the city. Despite Lot’s actions, God forgave him. Whether we have minor stumbles or serious failings, God’s mercy is waiting for us, too. Do we respond to this gift by working to do better?

We are called to imitate God’s mercy in our own lives and challenged to be more forgiving, compassionate and loving towards others. By doing so, we not only honor God but also contribute to a more just and humane world.

Mike Owens is the coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Daily Scripture, January 22, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17Mark 3:1-6 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for today, Jesus is in a synagogue on the Sabbath, and there is a man there with a withered hand. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 21, 2025

Memorial of St. Agnes Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-18Mark1:29-29 Reflection: Today is the feast of St. Agnes, a popular (twelve- or thirteen-year-old) early Roman persecution martyr. Her life has been celebrated on » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 20, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-10Mark 2:18-22 Reflection: “…new wine is for fresh skins…” Why do your followers not…doesn’t that sound familiar?  A typically human response – we want everyone to do as » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 19, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-51 Corinthians 12:4-11John 2:1-11 Reflection: You have kept the good wine until now.  These are the words the headwaiter speaks to the bridegroom in today’s Gospel. While they » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 18, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-16Mark 2:13-17 Reflection: The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 17, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11Mark 2:1-12 Reflection: The evangelist Mark depicts today’s gospel story in such vivid and dramatic detail that we feel as if we are right there in Capernaum. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 16, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 3:7-14Mark 1:40-45 Reflection: When I read today’s Gospel, I think of and am struck by the faith of the leper. In his despair, in his loneliness, his aloneness, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 15, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-18Mark 1:29-39 Reflection: Whenever I hear this Gospel being proclaimed, I am reminded of our trip to the Holy Land and the Basilica of the Nativity in Nazareth. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 14, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-12Mark 1:21-28 Reflection: Angels and Us So, Jesus became human… like, way “lower than the angels,” right? Makes you wonder, will we humans still be the low-ranking ones » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 13, 2025

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-6Mark 1:14-20 Reflection: Mark’s gospel has no Christmas story, no manger or shepherds in Bethlehem, no Magi or star to lead them.  And yet, the Christmas narrative is » Continue Reading.

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