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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, May 17, 2012

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 or 4:1-13 or 4:1-7, 11-13 Mark 16:15-20 Reflection: We experience many transitions throughout our lives. These transitions occur often and sometimes unexpected. We seldom know what » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 16, 2012

Scripture: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 John 16:12-15 Reflection: Meeting God’s People Where They Are Last week I attended the Presbyteral Convocation for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and one of the things » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 15, 2012

Scripture: Acts 16:22-34 John 16:5-11 Reflection: When we read the Acts of the Apostles and see the sufferings that the early missionaries like Paul and his companion Silas had to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 14, 2012

Feast of St. Matthias Scripture: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 John 15:9-17 Reflection: For this feast of St. Matthias there is an element in the sacred scriptures that we will surely find » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 12, 2012

Scripture: Acts 16:1-10 John 15:18-21 Reflection: Today’s readings speak to me of the spiritual balancing act that Christians face.   In John’s Gospel, Jesus reminds the disciples that the message » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 13, 2012

Scripture: 1 Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 1 John 4:7-10 John 15:9-17 Reflection: When I was five years old, my Grandma, Margarita, had to chase me around the house in order to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 11, 2012

Scripture: Acts 15:22-31 John 15:12-17 Reflection: "I chose you." It was traditional that disciples chose the rabbi under whom they wanted to study.  Paul, the Apostle, boasts of how he » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 8, 2012

Scripture: Acts 14:19-28 John 14:27-31a Reflection: During this fifty-day season of Easter, we must believe that the resurrection of Jesus can make a difference in our daily life. Perhaps there » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 9, 2012

  Scripture: Acts 15:1-6 John 15:1-8       Reflection: Embrace the Good Word A lot hinges on a few words in today’s readings. In John’s Gospel we hear the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 6, 2012

Scripture: Acts 9:26-31 1 John 3:18-24 John 15:1-8 Reflection: In last Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus described himself as the good Shepherd. This morning, Jesus says, "I am the true vine." » Continue Reading.

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