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: Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45 Reflection: After my husband died suddenly, I remember praying that God would bring him back to life like » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-53 Reflection: In John’s gospel we meet error, confusion and even, we might say, the manifestation of an ‘original sin’ in self-imposed isolation. Jeremiah, the Prophet » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Reflection: As we journey toward Holy Week, our readings focus on violence and treachery. Jesus is the focus of misunderstanding and injustice. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47 Reflection: The gospel of John tells of the conflicts of Jesus in Jerusalem. The background for today’s dispute took place on his second visit. He » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54 Reflection: Complete Faith and Heading For Home Modern medicine has changed life as we know it. Real progress has been made » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 Reflection: Give up, or given in? Is that the question to address during this journey » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 Reflection: The readings today are a call of love – a call from love and a call to love. Hosea emphasizes God’s love: Out of » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23 Reflection: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts" Our readings today seem to reflect around the theme of LISTENING. Our journey of » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection: A very holy monk was once asked in a television interview what were the present day challenges to Christianity? He paused for a » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-15b Luke 4:24-30 Reflection: In today’s Gospel and the verses preceding it, Jesus quoting Isaiah instructs his listeners and us to bring the good news to the » Continue Reading.