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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, October 14, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: Today’s reading revisits the ancient world’s horrific distinctions between slaves and free people, and the children of slaves and free people. Imagine gathering around a round table today with people from all walks of life. We arrive by jet and car; they » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 13, 2024

Scripture: Wisdom 7:7-11Hebrews 4:12-13Mark 10:17-30 Reflection: Something I have never noticed before is what is missing in Jesus’ listing some of the commandments. He omits the first one, “I, the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 12, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:22-29Luke 11:27-28 Reflection: Today’s readings succinctly reveal to us the impact of the messianic message that opens our hearts and minds to faith in Jesus Christ. In the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 11, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:7-14Luke 11:15-26 Reflection: A Disciple’s Work is Never Done Dueling banjos. Paul and Jesus really go at it today! Our readings deliver their message with energy, peaceful assurance » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 10, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5Luke 11:5-13 Reflection: One of the most challenging things Jesus ever said was “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” I’ve struggled with » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 9, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14Luke 11:1-4 Reflection: A Synod in Rome and One in Galatia The Synod continues in Rome. It is a magnum opus, and we pray that, like at » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 8, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-24Luke 10:38-42 Reflection: Lessons from Paul on how to write a Curriculum Vitae Paul must have started the Galatian community on his early missionary trip. Other missionaries followed » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 7, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12Luke 10:25-37 Reflection: But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?  -Luke 10:29 Rusty was always “going” where he wasn’t supposed » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 6, 2024

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-24Hebrews 2:9-11Mark 10:2-16 Reflection: Several months ago, I heard an interview with a medical doctor who had practiced for decades in his small hometown in Minnesota. The interviewer » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 5, 2024

Scripture: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17Luke 10:17-24 Reflection: In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the news media was interviewing a woman in North Carolina whose house was flooded by the torrential » Continue Reading.

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