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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, May 1, 2010

Scripture: Colossians 3: 14-15 Matthew 13: 54-58 Reflection: "Is he not the carpenter’s son?" … and they took offense at him (Jesus). (Matt: 13:55, 57)   Today we celebrate St. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 28, 2010

Scripture: Acts 12:24-13:5a John 12:44-50 Reflection: This week is one of those times when the wisdom of the sequence of our readings offer us a superb message.  From Sunday through » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 29, 2010

  Scripture: Acts 13:13-25 John 13:16-20       Reflection: "Don’t Shoot the Messenger!"  We have all heard the saying "Don’t shoot the messenger" whenever some news has been delivered » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 27, 2010

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26 John 10:22-30 Reflection: I was talking to a friend about today’s gospel.  This is a person who knows far more than me about theology, Biblical translations and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 26, 2010

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18 John 10:1-10 Reflection: Abundant life…for all! Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus as "shepherd", caring for the sheep of his flock.  The shepherd’s care results in life for all » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 25, 2010

Scripture: Acts 13:14, 43-52 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30 Reflection: One of the favorite images of God we possess is of the Good Shepherd.  We know that underlying this image » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 22, 2010

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51 Reflection: "The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, ‘Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 19, 2010

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15 John 6:22-29 Reflection: "May we not succumb to the influence of evil but remain true to your gift of life." (Opening Prayer)   As we enter the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 18, 2010

Scripture: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Revelations 5:11-14 John 21:1-19 Reflection: "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"  John 21: 15 "Do you love me?"  How many times » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 17, 2010

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 John 6:16-21 Reflection: I think it was St. Ignatius of Loyola who said that about 95% of the time we can come to know God’s will for » Continue Reading.

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