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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, July 21, 2012

Scripture: Micah 2:1-5 Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection: Probably all very large cities in the world have their "slum" areas.  I lived in India for three years and I saw the poor » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 20, 2012

Scripture: Isaiah 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8 Matthew 12: 1-8 Reflection: In today’s first reading, when Hezekiah, the King of Judah, was told to put his house in order because he » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 18, 2012

Scripture: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16 Matthew 11:25-27 Reflection: As I share this brief reflection on our readings for the day, there are two simple thoughts that come to mind.  In our first reading » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 16, 2012

  Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-17 Matthew 10:34-11:1       Reflection: Jesus, Our Life-Giving Experience of God’s Love "If we do not have a profound experience of and conversion to God’s » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 15, 2012

Scripture: Amos 7:12-15 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:7-13 Reflection: In 1979, Immaculate Conception Parish on Chicago’s northwest side celebrated the 75th anniversary of its’ founding.  One of its’ several Jubilee projects » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 19, 2012

Scripture: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 Matthew 11:28-30 Reflection: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord." Matthew 11:28   » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 14, 2012

Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Matthew 10:24-33 Reflection: There is a certain theme in the reading from Isaiah for the Mass today that I have always loved.  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 13, 2012

Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Matthew 10:16-23 Reflection: In this time of election campaigns and the over 1 billion dollars that will be spent among the  contenders, our country continues to be » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 12, 2012

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-4, 8c-9 Matthew 10:1-7 Reflection: I knew a catholic family who had five sons and three daughters. The parents came to the church regularly and worked hard. Their » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 11, 2012

Scripture: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Matthew 10:1-7 Reflection: Called to Mission More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus called together an imperfect, improbable, implausible group of individuals, even called them by » Continue Reading.

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