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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, February 9, 2012

Scripture: 1 Kings 11:4-13 Mark 7:24-30 Reflection: The miracles in the gospel of Mark serve as parables. They bring to light what Jesus is about. In today’s miracle where we » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 8, 2012

Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1-10 Mark 7:14-23 Reflection: Recently I was taken out to lunch by the golf pro from the Houstonian Country Club. I’ve known him for some five years, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 10, 2012

Feast of Saint Scholastica  Scripture: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 Mark 7:31-37 Reflection: I pray to follow God’s will and be God’s instrument, but it would be a whole lot easier » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 7, 2012

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Mark 7:1-13 Reflection: Teresa of Avila said, "You find God in yourself and yourself in God." My earliest memories of "going to church" involve my » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 6, 2012

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 Mark 6:53-56 Reflection: The Catholic Catechism is divided into four main sections. Each section is introduced by a picture of a fresco or statue. The » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 5, 2012

Scripture: Job 7:1-4, 6-7 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 Mark 1:29-39 Reflection: Today’s readings seem to say a lot about how people choose what they are do with their lives. In » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 4, 2012

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:4-13 Mark 6:30-34 Reflection: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while…"   King Solomon’s prayer in the first reading was indeed an » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 2, 2012

Feast of the The Presentation of the Lord Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32 Reflection: When reading the appointed readings for the Feast of the Presentation of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 3, 2012

Scripture: Sirach 47:2-11 Mark 6:14-29 Reflection: Take to prayer your most daunting personal challenge. Take to prayer the most painful social situation which invades your senses, and troubles your conscience. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, February 1, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6 Reflection: Today Mark shows us Jesus leaving the western side of the Sea of Galilee, where he had been teaching and healing the » Continue Reading.

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