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: Sirach 47:2-11 Mark 6:14-29 Reflection: Over the past two weeks, the Old Testament readings have been journeying with David. We’ve seen him in his youthful days, through the adventures of his » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 Mark 6:1-13 Reflection: A Disciple’s Love As Jesus gathered the Apostles together and began to send them out to preach and heal, they must have » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6 Reflection: If I want to follow Jesus and "accept" Him as the Will of the Father guiding my life, then I am willing » Continue Reading.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Scripture: Malachy 3:1-4 Psalm 24: 7, 8, 9, 10 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 (alt., Luke 2:22-32) Reflection: Sometimes we struggle to understand » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15: 13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Psalm 3: 2-3. 4-5, 6-7 Mark 5: 1-20 Reflection: Through the stories in the Book of Samuel, we have been » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 Mark 4:35-41 Reflection: One of the most famous statements concerning fear is the message President Franklin Roosevelt gave the nation in 1933, when the country » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 1: 4-5 ,17-19 1Corinthians 12: 31, 13: 4-13 Luke 4: 21-30 Reflection: "…Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous…." Not » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 Mark 4:21-25 Reflection: "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:4-17 Mark 4:1-20 Reflection: "But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Reflection: In the second reading the theme of unity in the midst of diversity is again offered to us » Continue Reading.