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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 19, 2012

Feast of St. Joseph Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a, or Luke 2:41-51a Reflection: "Behold a faithful and prudent steward whom the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 17, 2012

Feast of St. Patrick  Scripture: Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14 Reflection: During the Lenten season we are given the opportunity to open our lives and hearts to Christ’s coming at Easter. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 16, 2012

Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 Reflection: A memory of college that still makes me laugh happened when my Humanities class was assigned to read Moby Dick. Spring was just starting » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 15, 2012

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23 Reflection: As we move further into Lent our scriptures present two questions. From the prophet Jeremiah we are asked how well we are listening to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 13, 2012

Scripture: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection: There is something about the human condition that seeks the security and certainty of boundaries.  If exact expectations are known and achieved, then » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 12, 2012

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-15b Luke 4:24-30 Reflection: In today’s Gospel and the verses preceding it, Jesus quoting Isaiah instructs his listeners and us to bring the good news to the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 11, 2012

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 John 2:13-25 Reflection: As we move into this third week of Lent in his letter to the Corinthians Paul presents us with the boldly » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 9, 2012

  Scripture: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46       Reflection: Humble Love That Overcomes the Embarrassment of Sin. Why does Lent come upon us with a certain » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 10, 2012

Scripture: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Reflection: In the story of the prodigal son, the father’s great love compels him to sit at the window, waiting and waiting for » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 8, 2012

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31 Reflection: I remember participating in a silent retreat years ago in Vina, California with the Trappists. I took a walk and was thinking about my » Continue Reading.

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