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: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:32-38 Reflection: Humans have created and worshipped idols from the time of antiquity. Today, you do not walk into a Catholic Church and see golden » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 2:16, 17b-18, 21-22 Matthew 9:18-26 Reflection: Don’t Forget the Honeymoon Recently I recommended a book to over a thousand people. I should have read » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Ezekiel 2:2-5 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Mark 6:1-6a Reflection: Do you have a thorn in the flesh? Perhaps it is fear, a feeling of rejection, or a physical ailment. It » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Amos 9:11-15 Matthew 9:14-17 Reflection: My father made a very good living in the 1950’s as a laundryman. For you young Passionists who don’t know what a laundryman does, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Amos 7:10-17 Matthew 9:1-8 Reflection: Last week we had two significant readings from the second book of Kings. On Tuesday we heard how the Assyrians marched against Israel destroying » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Amos 5:14-15,21-24 Mathew 8:28-34 (optional readings for Independence Day): Isaiah 57:15-19 Philippians 4:6-9 John 14:23-29 Reflection: Celebrating United States Independence Day Today the liturgical guidelines encourage us to use » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 Matthew 8:18-22 Reflection: Today’s gospel selection is very brief. In the context of Matthew’s narrative, Jesus is establishing his credibility as "Son of Man", as the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24 2 Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13-15 Mark 5: 21-43, Reflection: Today’s readings are all about God’s great healing love for us, everyone of us, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 Matthew 8:5-17 Reflection: The sixth century B.C. was a time of much sorrow. Our first reading from Lamentations gives us a taste of the people’s » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Kings 24:8-17 Matthew 7:21-29 Reflection: What does it mean to be a Christian? Today’s words from Matthew and the preceding verses and chapters, give a clear definition of » Continue Reading.