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: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Matthew 24:42-51 Reflection: "Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Today’s Gospel speaks about » Continue Reading.
Feast of Saint Bartholomew Scripture: Revelations 21:9b-14 John 1:45-51 Reflection: Jesus loves sincerity! He says Nathaniel is a true Israelite. The word true in Greek is alēthōs and means unhidden. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 23:23-26 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus pronouncing "woes" on the scribes and the Pharisees. He calls them hypocrites because they pay greater » Continue Reading.
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10 Matthew 23:13-22 Reflection: Today we celebrate the Queenship of Our Blessed Mother. As I write this reflection, some » Continue Reading.
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church Scripture: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 Matthew 23:1-12 Reflection: Many of us can talk the talk, but how many of us » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 22:19-23 Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20 Reflection: During this post-councilor period, some deconstructing has been taking place in the authority arrangements within the church. Known over the centuries as » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Judges 11:29-39a Matthew 22:1-14 Reflection: In the first reading from Judges we read about Jephthah who was willing to lead an army against his enemies, the Ammonites. He asked » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Judges 9:6-15 Matthew 20:1-16 Reflection: Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last. Matthew 20:16 This is a passage that we hear often in the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17 Matthew 18:21-19:1 Reflection: When I was stationed at our Christ the King Retreat in Citrus Heights, California, one friend, Mary, and I would sometimes visit » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27 Reflection: The O.P.s (Order of Preachers) and the C.P.s (Congregation of the Passion) sometimes get confused. Both are communities founded to preach. St. Dominic loved » Continue Reading.