Daily Scripture, July 15, 2025
Scripture:
Exodus 2:1-15a
Matthew 11:20-24
Reflection:
It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon and for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you…
This gospel begins with some strong words and emotions from Jesus, where is this coming from? What could make Jesus so upset? I once heard Bishop Ken Untener from the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan say that if you are ever uncertain what the message of the Scriptures for the day are, look to the Psalm – he said “the Psalm is the ‘key’ to unlock the lectionary”.
I have to admit when I read this Gospel passage, my first thought was ‘Oh my, what do I do with this!’ Then I turned to the Psalm, Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
Jesus had been to Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, the people there knew him, they had met him, experienced him, witnessed his very presence and yet they were indifferent, they didn’t care, they weren’t changed. They simply bought in to the ‘group think’ of the society around them.
Our faith invites us to know Jesus, to experience him, witness his presence in our world today. How do we respond to that challenge of faith? Are we willing to ‘turn to the Lord’ in difficult times? Are we willing to stand with him in the face of oppression, despair, hopelessness and speak the truth that calls us to be brothers and sisters in Christ? To work for justice, equality and life for all people. The choice is ours, are we willing to know Jesus enough to build his Kingdom or are we going to hear “Woe to you…”
Faith Offman is the Associate Director of Ministry at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan.
Scripture: Acts 13:13-25 John 13:16-20 Reflection: "Amen, Amen I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 12:241-13:5a Responsorial Psalm 67 John 12:24-13: 5a Reflection: "Jesus cried out and said, I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:14a, 36-41 1 Peter 2:20b-25 John 10:1-10 Reflection: At this moment of the Easter season the question to us is do we hear the voice of the true » Continue Reading.
Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle Scripture: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 John 15:9-17 Reflection: Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthias, the apostle who, after an election by about 120 women » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 9:1-20 John 6:52-59 Reflection: Fine, I’ll admit it. I have always been a skeptic of so-called "miracles." Marian apparitions: I’m skeptical. Unexplained recoveries from illnesses: I’m skeptical. Destiny/fate: » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 8:1b-8 John 6:35-40 Reflection: We hear the first of seven "I AM" sayings in today’s Gospel. It reminds us of the Burning Bush story. When Moses asked God » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 6:8-15 John 6:22-29 Reflection: How to celebrate the Fifty Days of Easter is a challenge. It seems impossible to celebrate in isolation from daily life. The disciples, filled » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-33 1 Peter 1:17-21 Luke 24:13-35 Reflection: I’m in the final editing stages of my newest book, The Sacred Walk. The theme is that our journey is » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 John 6:16-21 Reflection: The Lord’s prediction that his followers would accomplish greater things than he did came true with the coming of the Holy Spirit in conversions » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 7:51-8:1a John 6:30-35 Reflection: In today’s readings, Stephen is stoned to death although he is innocent of any wrongdoing. In his final breaths, he commends his spirit into » Continue Reading.