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.
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10Luke 10:21-24 Reflection: Hiding things from the learned and clever might seem a difficult thing to do. For example, most parents know much more about their children’s behaviour » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5Matthew 8:5-11 Reflection: They shall beat their swords into plowsharesand their spears into pruning hooks;One nation shall not raise the sword against another,nor shall they train for war » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-161 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Reflection: Today we celebrate the beginning of Advent. Christmas is only four weeks away, and holiday preparations are in full swing. During this » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle Scripture: Romans 10:9-18Matthew 4:18-22 Reflection: Jesus has invited Peter and Andrew to be fishers of men. When have you felt a calling, an invitation of the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Revelation 20:14; 11–21: 2Luke 21: 29 – 33 Reflection: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. -Luke 21:33 Tomorrow at sundown we begin » Continue Reading.
Thanksgiving Day (USA) Scripture: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9aLuke 21:20-28 Reflection: In preparing this reflection I spent time in prayer with the scriptures of the day, looked at the history » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Revelation 15:1-4Luke 21:12-19 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for today, as Jesus is speaking to the people about the end times, He also tells His disciples to expect being » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Revelation 14:14-19Luke 21:5-11 Reflection: We have often heard the saying, “Humans plan, and God laughs.” We like being in control. We like thinking we’re in control. We’re not good » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5Luke 21:1-4 Reflection: Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. I’ll never forget a young family I met when I was a pastor. The wife/mom was a » Continue Reading.
Solemnity of Christ the King Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14Revelation 1:5-8John 18:33b-37 Reflection: Christ the King “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for » Continue Reading.