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: Acts 4:23-31 John 3:1-8 Reflection: When Jesus was alive, it seemed that the Apostles never understood his true mission. They came to believe he was the Messiah but were » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 4:32-35 1 John 5:1-6 John 20:19-31 Reflection: The drama of Holy Week and Easter continues in our readings for today’s liturgy. A key phrase for me is taken » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 4:13-21 Mark 16:9-15 Reflection: Dear Jesus, I can see and hear Mary Magdalene and the two Emmaus bound disciples being pushed aside by the Disciples. To their excited » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 4:1-12 John 21:1-14 Reflection: "There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35 Reflection: The joy, power, and wonder of the Resurrection are in every sentence of our readings. Peter’s words to the cripple beggar "in the name » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Matthew 28:8-15 Reflection: Easter Monday (or Bright Monday, as our Orthodox sisters and brothers call it), continues the mystery of Jesus Risen, as we will celebrate » Continue Reading.
Holy Saturday Scripture: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Romans 6:3-11 Mark 16:1-7 Reflection: On this day, all is quiet. This day is broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in » Continue Reading.
Holy Thursday Scripture: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15 Reflection: Tonight we begin the three day feast of the Triduum that takes us to our roots and causes » Continue Reading.
Good Friday Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: Have you ever met a complainer? You know the type – a slight inconvenience becomes a major catastrophe and » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9a Matthew 26:14-25 Reflection: Throughout his career and especially during Holy Week Jesus has keen insight into events (such as his betrayal in today’s Gospel). When people heard » Continue Reading.