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: Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12 Reflection: "You burden me with your sins, and wearied me with your crimes. It is I, I who wipe out, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 3:13-18 Mark 9:14-29 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, we have what I consider one of the most useful prayers ever prayed. Our reading takes place right » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 2:14-24, 26 Mark 8:34-9:1 Reflection: "If you cannot spend much time in prayer, no matter: to act well is always to pray well. Be » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 James 3:1-10 Mark 9:2-13 Reflection: "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this need not be so. " 1 James 3:10 Several months » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 2:1-9 Mark 8:27-33 Reflection: A few years ago I attended a panel discussion at one of the very well known and attended Catholic churches in Chicago. The congregation » Continue Reading.
Tuesday before Ash Wednesday The Prayer of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-9 Luke 22:39-46 Reflection: Today is Mardi gras, Fat Tuesday, especially in New Orleans. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 1:19-27 Mark 8:22-26 Reflection: This section of the letter of James reminds me of the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Scriptures. Moderation and self restraint should be the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 1:12-18 Mark 8:14-21 Reflection: "Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?" "all good giving and every perfect gift is from above coming down from » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 1:1-11 Mark 8:11-13 Reflection: Once again Jesus is frustrated with the Pharisees in today’s gospel. No big surprise there! And, once again, it is easy for us to » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 Mark 1:40-45 Reflection: To our modern minds we find the treatment of lepers as set forth in Leviticus very harsh. The leper must » Continue Reading.