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.
First Sunday of Lent Scripture: Deuteronomy 26.4-10 Romans 10.8-13 Luke 4.1-13 Reflection: In a movie going back several decades, Pat O’Brien plays the role of a dock-workers priest on the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15 Reflection: "Why do we fast, and you do not see it? Afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?" Lo, on your fast day, » Continue Reading.
Thursday after Ash Wednesday Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25 Reflection: I presume that many of you are like me when I am saying goodbye to someone. " It’s been so » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20 Luke 6:17, 20-26 Reflection: What a charming coincidence that the romantic observance of Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday when » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 Mark 8:1-10 Reflection: Some of us Passionists, vowed and lay, have had the privilege of serving at the LOAVES AND FISHES soup kitchen in downtown Sacramento, California. In the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 Mark 7:31-37 Reflection: Evagrius Ponticus, a fourth-century Christian monk, instructed his disciples: "Strive to render your mind deaf and dumb at the time of prayer » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Kings 11:4-13 Mark 7:24-30 Reflection: Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go–the demon » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Mark 7:1-13 Reflection: Mothers of young children are accustomed to saying daily, in an automatic fashion, "Wash your hands before we eat" or "Did you » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11 Luke 5:1-11 Reflection: Our God is Love. Sheer love gave birth to a material universe unimaginably extensive. This universe was » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Kings 3:4-13 Mark 6:30-34 Reflection: Solomon was the second son of David and Bathsheba and the third king of Israel. He ruled for about forty years, expanding the » Continue Reading.