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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, March 31, 2012

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:21-28 John 11:45-56 Reflection: "Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves.  They looked » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 30, 2012

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:10-13 John 10:31-42 Reflection: Jesus makes the statement which would have him condemned to die. "I am God’s Son." Are we not reminded constantly that we are God’s » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 29, 2012

Scripture: Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59 Reflection: "The Lord remembers his covenant forever."  I take comfort in the covenant I have with the Lord described in today’s readings.  The comfort comes » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 28, 2012

Scripture: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42 Reflection: In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that if we are to be disciples, we are to make His Word our home.  How » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 27, 2012

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 Reflection: Sociologist Peter Berger writes, "It seems plausible that folly and fools, like religion and magic, meet some deeply rooted needs in human society."   » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 25, 2012

Fifth Sunday of Lent Scripture: Jeremiah 31:34-34 Hebrews 5:7-9 John 12:20-33 Reflection: In our Gospel reading from John (12:20-33), when Philip and Andrew tell Jesus that there are "some Greeks" » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 24, 2012

Scripture: Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 740-53 Reflection: In today’s Gospel guards were sent to arrest Jesus.  They came back empty handed.  "So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 22, 2012

Scripture: Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47 Reflection: "Let me alone, then, that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them… Let your blazing wrath die down; relent in punishing » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 20, 2012

Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 John 5:1-16 Reflection: A common image in both of the readings for today is water.  In the first reading Ezekiel has a dream in which he » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 18, 2012

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21 Reflection: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might » Continue Reading.

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