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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, October 23, 2011

Scripture: Exodus 22:20-26 1Thessalonians 1:5c-10 Matthew 22:34-40 Reflection: After looking at our first reading from Exodus, where God tells the people not to "molest or oppress an alien," not to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 19, 2011

Memorial of Saint John de Brebeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, and their companions, martyrs Scripture: Romans 6:12-18 Luke 12:39-48 Reflection: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 18, 2011

Feast of Saint Luke Scripture: 2 Timothy 4: 17 Luke 10: 1-9 Reflection: "But the Lord stood by me and gave me help…"   Paul is a very honest man. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 17, 2011

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch  Scripture: Romans 4:20-25 Luke 12:13-21 Reflection: When I look at creation I cannot help but think that there has to be something more than » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 20, 2011

Feast of Saint Paul of the Cross (USA), Founder of the Passionist Congregation  Scripture: Romans 6:19-23 Luke 12:49-53 Reflection: Today we celebrate the feast of St. Paul of the Cross.  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 16, 2011

Scripture: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b Mt 22:15-21 Reflection: I love the sparseness of today’s Gospel; Jesus’ deftly reframes the trap that has been set for him: Then repay » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 15, 2011

Feast of St. Teresa of Avila Scripture: Romans 4:13, 16-18 Luke  12:8-12 Reflection: What is the role of faith in your life? Does your life, by its words and actions » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 12, 2011

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11 Luke 11:42-46 Reflection: The message of today’s readings seems easy enough to figure out, as we’ve heard it many times before: don’t pass judgment. Simple enough…and yet » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 13, 2011

Scripture: Romans 3:21-30 Luke 11:47-54 Reflection: Paul’s great letter to the Romans was written in 58AD from Corinth as he prepared to go to Jerusalem with the collection from the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 11, 2011

  Scripture: Romans 1:16-25 Luke 11:37-41       Reflection: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel" The other day, I listened to an interview conducted in the year 2000 » Continue Reading.

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