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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, September 29, 2009

Feast of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels   Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12a Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5 John 1:47-51   Reflection: Supernatural beings, particularly angels, continue to hold » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 27, 2009

Scripture: Numbers 11:25-29 James 5:1-6 Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Reflection: "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better for you to enter into life maimed » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 25, 2009

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9 Psalm 43: 1-4 Luke 2:18-22 Reflection: In today’s gospel Jesus has just fed the 5,000.  Jesus goes apart to pray.  He then asks the disciples "Who do » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 22, 2009

Scripture: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 Luke 8:19-21 Reflection: "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." Lk 8:19-21 When Julie was » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 24, 2009

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-8 Luke 9:7-9 Reflection: Today’s first reading in the liturgy is the opening of the prophet Haggai.  This is an interesting Book in the Bible because he is » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 21, 2009

Feast of St. Matthew Scripture:  Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:9-13 Reflection: Accountants and auditors don’t sound like very exciting people.  Nor do tax collectors.  They seem to be the self-effacing » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 20, 2009

Scripture: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 James 3:16-4:3 Mark 9:30-37 Reflection: Do you ever feel like you’re being battered by all the people, issues, or ideas that are demanding your attention?  Whether » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 19, 2009

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Luke 8:4-15 Reflection: "They may look but not see, and hear but not understand" (Luke 8:10)   I remember the time when one of our teachers » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 17, 2009

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Luke 7:36-50 Reflection: In our first reading today, taken from the Letter to Timothy, Paul offers Timothy, encouragement, support and advice.  Timothy is a young man, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 15, 2009

Memorial of the Sorrowful Mother Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9 Stabat Mater John 19:25-27 Reflection: "At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping, close the Jesus at the last. » Continue Reading.

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