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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, July 18, 2009

Scripture: Exodus 12:37-42 Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection: So often I, myself, and others have reflected, "Oh, I really missed understanding that person.   I was only looking at the outside.   Little did » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 13, 2009

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 Matthew 10:34-11:1 Reflection: Friends of mine recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Lake Tahoe.  The cool blue and aquamarine waters, reflecting the Sierras, were so » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 11, 2009

Scripture: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a Matthew 10:24-33 Reflection: The other morning, a smiling young lady carrying a clipboard, knocked at my door.  She was collecting signatures for a petition to overturn » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 8, 2009

  Scripture: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a Matthew 10:1-7       Reflection: A common thread running through today’s readings is that of betrayal. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers who » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 10, 2009

  Scripture: Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30 Matthew 10:16-23       Reflection: Jesus sent us as sheep into the midst of wolves, but he didn’t specify that sometimes those wolves » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 7, 2009

Scripture: Genesis 32:23-33 Matthew 9:32-38 Reflection: Apostles Then and Now The reading from Matthew’s Gospel passes from the initial teaching and merciful miracles of Jesus, the Anointed One, to his » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 5, 2009

Scripture: Ezekiel 2:2-5 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Mark 6:1-6a Reflection: I remember as a little boy being fascinated with magicians.  There was always something about a great magic show which left » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 4, 2009

Scripture: Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29 Matthew 9:14-17 Reflection: God Has a Plan:  Life, Freedom! There’s a special "twist" today in both readings:  in the Genesis reading, Jacob takes advantage of his » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 2, 2009

Scripture: Genesis 22:1b-19 Matthew 9:1-8 Reflection: Today’s first reading is taken from Genesis, and is the famous scene is which God seemingly will require Abraham to sacrifice his first-born (and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 3, 2009

Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22 John 20:24-29 Reflection: What do I do when nothing seems to fit right in life? My "self" wants to complain, blame » Continue Reading.

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