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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, June 30, 2011

Scripture: Genesis 22:1b-19 Matthew 9:1-8 Reflection: Before Jesus was born, an angel appeared to Joseph and said, "You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 28, 2011

Scripture: Genesis 19:15-29 Matthew 8:23-27 Reflection: In Chapter 8, Matthew recounts the stories of Jesus miracles.  We hear of the cleansing of the leper, how the centurion’s servant was cured, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 27, 2011

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 Matthew 8:18-22 Reflection: Two years ago, I got a horrible phone call.  I’m sorry to say that many of you have gotten this same call.  Perhaps yours » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 26, 2011

  The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 John 6:51-58     Reflection: "I am the living bread that came down from » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 25, 2011

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15 Matthew 8:5-17 Reflection: "When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 29, 2011

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul  Scripture: Acts 12: 1-11 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18 Matthew 16: 13-19     Reflection: Today we celebrate the feast day of two pillars » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 24, 2011

Feast of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist  Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6 Acts 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80     Reflection: Today is the feast day of the birth of John the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 23, 2011

Scripture:  Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16 or 16:6b-12, 15-16 Matthew 7:21-29 Reflection: When I was a seminarian, I had the opportunity to attend an evening of a Black Catholic Revival being held » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 22, 2011

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Matthew 7:15-20 Reflection: My most favorite place to be (after the ocean) is under the night sky enjoying all of the stars. "All of the stars" » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, June 21, 2011

Scripture: Genesis 13:2, 5-18 Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Reflection: Offering compliments to others can be variously motivated.  We can do so to gain favor with another, even should we stretch the » Continue Reading.

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