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 John 2:18-21 John 1:1-18 Reflection: "In the Beginning………….." It’s the last day of this year and the eve of a new one. For many » Continue Reading.
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 Reflection: As we begin this first day of 2011, we celebrate » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17 Luke 2:36-40 Reflection: The last sentence in today’s gospel invites us to use our imagination. What was it like to watch Jesus grow? Did he play in a » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 John 2:3-11 Luke 2:22-35 Reflection: "This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4 John 20:1a, 2-8 Reflection: Yes Virginia, there is a . . . risen Lord? I have to admit that I checked and rechecked to make sure » Continue Reading.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Scripture: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Reflection: "He went and dwelt in a town called » Continue Reading.
Christmas Day Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-6 Psalm 96:1-3, -13 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 Reflection: In 1983 I was in Ireland at the end of the Jubilee Year. Throughout all of the » Continue Reading.
Christmas Eve Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Luke 1:67-79 Reflection: In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. Today’s liturgy » Continue Reading.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66 Reflection: Perhaps you’ve heard about the lawsuit against McDonald’s for enticing children to eat unhealthy foods by » Continue Reading.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Luke 1:46-56 Reflection: I am sitting in my living room looking at our Christmas tree. It is our 35th » Continue Reading.