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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, November 23, 2011

Scripture: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 Luke 21:12-19 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for today, Jesus warns His disciples that they will be persecuted, and put in prison, and "led » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 22, 2011

Memorial of Saint Cecilia Scripture: Daniel 2:31-45 Luke 21:5-11 Reflection: Today in the church we remember St. Cecilia, and in my family, we are also remembering in a special way » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 21, 2011

  Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 Luke 21:1-4   Reflection: A bit of a jumble surrounds the liturgy today, corresponding somewhat to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 19, 2011

Scripture: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 Luke 20:27-40 Reflection: "God is not God of the dead but of the living, for God, all are alive." Luke 20:39 The first reading for today’s » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 17, 2011

Scripture: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 Luke 19:41-44 Reflection: "To the upright I will show the saving power of God." Psalm 50 Instructions in a manual, recipies for meals or directions to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 20, 2011

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ The King Scripture: Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28 Matthew 25: 31-46 Reflection: On this last Sunday of the year, we » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 15, 2011

Scripture: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 Luke 19:1-10 Reflection: Our readings might puzzle us. Two models of holiness are presented by the scriptures: a scribe and a tax collector! Readers of the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 14, 2011

Scripture: Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 Luke 18:35-43 Reflection: The first reading for this day, a shocking portrayal of what was happening to the people of Israel from the Book » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 13, 2011

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Matthew 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21 Reflection: Today’s first reading is the concluding poem in the book of Proverbs, and its theme is » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 12, 2011

  Scripture: Wisdom 18:14-16,9:6-9 Luke 18:1-8       Reflection: I remember reading a story back in 2002,  in one of the daily newspapers in India regarding an elderly man » Continue Reading.

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