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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 4, 2024

Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi Scripture: Job 38: 1, 12-21; 40:3-5Luke 10:13-16 Reflection: Witnessing God’s Loving Presence Jesus confronted the reality of evil and selfishness with his message of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 3, 2024

Scripture: Job 19:21-27Luke 10:1-12 Reflection: In past times (perhaps 50 years ago), in Sydney’s Domain Gardens of any Sunday there were advocates of all sorts of viewpoints delivering speeches to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 2, 2024

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels Scripture: Job 9:1-12, 14-16Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Reflection: How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from birth an angel commissioned to guard » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 1, 2024

Scripture: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23Luke 9: 51-56 Reflection: Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Therese of Lisieux, but the first reading and responsorial psalm can hardly be described » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 30, 2024

Scripture: Job 1:6-22Luke 9:46-50 Reflection: If ever there was a person who had the right to complain to God, it was Job. The story of this upright and faithful man » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 29, 2024

Scripture: Numbers 11:25-29James 5:1-6Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Reflection: As I was reflecting on this Sunday’s readings, the thought came to me, “By their fruits you shall know them.” In our » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 28, 2024

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8Luke 9:43b-45 Reflection: In every age, O God, you have been our refuge.  Psalm 90 Refuge has many meanings. When used as a noun, its various meanings include » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 27, 2024

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11Luke 9:18-22 Reflection: Jesus was praying in solitude Luke 9:18.   Through thousands of years of human history no one ever prayed like Jesus.   The word for prayer means » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 26, 2024

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11Luke 9:7-9 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus first asks His disciples what the people think of Him; who were they saying he was. The disciples give their » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 25, 2024

Scripture: Proverbs 30:5-9Luke 9:1-6 Reflection: “Take care, then, how you hear.” Pairing today’s two readings can be facile, and the “takeaway” is quite obvious. From the Book of Proverbs we » Continue Reading.

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