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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, September 29, 2011

The Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels Scripture: Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14 John  1: 47-51 Reflection: On May 8, 1959 I was enrolled in the St. Michael’s Junior » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 28, 2011

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8 Luke 9:57-62 Reflection: If you haven’t yet done so, take a few moments to read today’s readings.  Read them aloud.  They are truly beautiful, poetic readings with » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 27, 2011

  Scripture: Zechariah 8:20-23 Luke 9:51-56       Reflection: I am starting to think that God has divinely intervened to give me the particular passages I am assigned each » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 26, 2011

Scripture: Zechariah 8:1-8 Luke 9:46-50 Reflection: The other day I was writing in my journal.  Usually months go by between entries. I remind myself, again, to try to write a » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 25, 2011

Scripture: Ezekiel 18: 25-28 Philippians 2: 1-5 Matthew 21: 28-32 Reflection: In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells the parable of two sons who say one thing and do another.  "He came » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 24, 2011

Scripture: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a Luke 9:43b-45 Reflection: "They did not understand." Luke 9:43 Driving along a road in the National Gettysburg Park you pass a simple sign reading "The Wheatfield." Most » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 22, 2011

  Scripture: Haggai 1:1-8 Luke 9:7-9       Reflection: "The Lord takes delight in his people." Jim and I just got back from Newport where we went to my » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 21, 2011

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7 Matthew  9:9-13 Reflection: During  the last few years, especially  with the pontificate of Benedict XVI,  there has been considerable discussion about the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 20, 2011

Memorial of Saint Andrew Taegon and Companions Scripture: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 Luke 8:19-21 Reflection: Today we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew Taegon and Companions.  For many of us » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 19, 2011

Scripture: Ezekiel 1:1-6 Luke 8:16-18 Reflection: For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17 » Continue Reading.

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