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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 2, 2025

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, and Doctors of the Church Scripture: 1 John 2:22-28John 1:19-28 Reflection: St. Basil and St. Gregory knew each other as » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 1, 2025

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27Galatians 4:4-7Luke 2:16-21 Reflection: Happy New Year!   We begin this year with the beautiful, timeless blessing Moses shared with Aaron and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 31, 2024

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-21John 1:1-18 Reflection: Children, it’s the final hour.   -1 John 2:18a That’s the first line of today’s Liturgy of the Word.  “It’s the final hour.” One thing » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 30, 2024

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17Luke 2:36-40 Reflection: We look forward to Christmas, to the birth of the Child Jesus, for the feeling of anticipation in awaiting the arrival of the Savior » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 29, 2024

Feast of the Holy Family Scripture: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14Colossians 3:12-21Luke 2:41-52 Reflection: Some years ago, I remember speaking with a priest from another town. I was acknowledging my discomfort (especially, as » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 28, 2024

Feast of the Holy Innocents Scripture: 1 John 1:5-2:2Matthew 2:13-18 Reflection: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation. -Matthew 2:18 We celebrate the Feast of the Holy » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 27, 2024

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4John 20:1a, 2-8 Reflection: Today’s Gospel reading describes the tomb after Jesus had been resurrected. We believe through the gift from God of faith that this supernatural » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 26, 2024

Feast of Saint Stephen Scripture: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59Matthew 10:17-22 Reflection: Today is the day after. All the build-up. The anticipation. The nervousness but also the wonder. I am not referring » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 25, 2024

Christmas Day Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10Hebrews 1:1-6John 1:1-18 Reflection: Christmas is here! When we look at the readings for Midnight Mass on Christmas, it might be understandable to overlook the second » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 24, 2024

Christmas Eve Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16Luke 1:67-79 Reflection: Christmas and Saint Joseph There is an old medieval painting showing the engagement ceremony between Mary and Joseph.  We » Continue Reading.

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