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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, December 2, 2009

Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10a Matthew 15:29-37 Reflection: I received an e-mail recently, with this subject: "Tell me how he did it, and I’ll give you a thanksgiving turkey."  The "it" was » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 1, 2009

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 Luke 10:21-24 Reflection: In today’s readings, Isaiah announces and names the gifts and work of the Spirit of the Lord and in the gospel, Jesus rejoices in » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 30, 2009

Scripture: Romans 10:9-18 Matthew 4:18-22 Reflection: There are two words that the Lord used frequently in the Gospels.  The first word is "Come."  "Come, follow me." "Come and see." "Come, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 29, 2009

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Reflection: Happy New Year! Or perhaps you think I am a bit confused with this greeting…but in reality, the First Sunday » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 28, 2009

Scripture: Daniel 7:15-27 Luke 21:34-36 Reflection: This time of year fills me with energy.   So much is happening; activity seems to abound! The scriptures for this time of year are » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 27, 2009

Scripture: Daniel 7:2-14 Luke 21:29-33 Reflection: These are strange times.  The world is suffering.  I’m certainly not going to try and dissect the economic and political reasons for why our country » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 26, 2009

Scripture: Daniel 6:12-28 Luke 21:20-28 Reflection: Today in America we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving.  Family and friends gather from near or far to spend time with each other and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 24, 2009

Scripture: Daniel 2:31-45 Luke 21:5-11 Reflection: "Watch at all times!" Luke 21:36.   Jesus often in the Gospel warned us to keep alert.   There are many stories in history about people » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 21, 2009

Presentation of Mary in the Temple Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: This liturgical memorial, with somewhat ambivalent origins in the bible, and a corresponding modest place in our liturgy, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 19, 2009

Scripture: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 Luke 19:41-44 Reflection: "As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it. . ." (Luke 19:41)   Life is full of disappointments. » Continue Reading.

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