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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 5, 2012

Scripture: Acts 13:44-52 John 14:7-14 Reflection: The Word of God is something nourishing.  The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the Word of the Lord. Acts of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 4, 2012

Scripture: Acts 13:26-33 John 14:1-6 Reflection: Jesus:  Our Way, Our Truth, Our Life Today’s Gospel selection is so true to life:  like the early disciples, we can easily be caught » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 3, 2012

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 John 14:6-14 Reflection: For prayerful Easter consideration: Am I a Christian leader? Am I willing to be another Christ? Can I believe that I am such » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 2, 2012

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church  Scripture: Acts 12:24-13:5a John 12:44-50 Reflection: The Easter season readings that occur today, on the memorial of St. Athanasius (born » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 1, 2012

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26 John 10:22-30 Reflection: In today’s readings I am struck by the contrast between what is happening in Acts and what is happening in John – the startling » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 30, 2012

  Scripture: Acts 11:1-18 John 10:1-10       Reflection: "I am tired of hearing about men with the ‘courage of their convictions.’ Nero and Caligula and Attila and Hitler » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 7, 2012

Scripture: Acts 14:5-18 John 14:21-26 Reflection: "He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him, saw that he had the faith to be healed, and called out in a » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 29, 2012

Scripture: Acts 4:8-12 1 John 3:1-2 John 10:11-18 Reflection: "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 26, 2012

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51 Reflection: There’s not much I remember about serving the Latin Mass except how many rubrics there were to follow.  The priest’s introduction of "Introibo ad » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 22, 2012

Scripture: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 1 John 2:1-5a Luke 24:35-48 Reflection: "As soon as I lie down I fall peacefully asleep, for You alone oh Lord bring security to my dwelling." » Continue Reading.

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