Daily Scripture, July 15, 2025
Scripture:
Exodus 2:1-15a
Matthew 11:20-24
Reflection:
It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon and for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you…
This gospel begins with some strong words and emotions from Jesus, where is this coming from? What could make Jesus so upset? I once heard Bishop Ken Untener from the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan say that if you are ever uncertain what the message of the Scriptures for the day are, look to the Psalm – he said “the Psalm is the ‘key’ to unlock the lectionary”.
I have to admit when I read this Gospel passage, my first thought was ‘Oh my, what do I do with this!’ Then I turned to the Psalm, Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
Jesus had been to Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, the people there knew him, they had met him, experienced him, witnessed his very presence and yet they were indifferent, they didn’t care, they weren’t changed. They simply bought in to the ‘group think’ of the society around them.
Our faith invites us to know Jesus, to experience him, witness his presence in our world today. How do we respond to that challenge of faith? Are we willing to ‘turn to the Lord’ in difficult times? Are we willing to stand with him in the face of oppression, despair, hopelessness and speak the truth that calls us to be brothers and sisters in Christ? To work for justice, equality and life for all people. The choice is ours, are we willing to know Jesus enough to build his Kingdom or are we going to hear “Woe to you…”
Faith Offman is the Associate Director of Ministry at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan.
Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr Readings: Eph 1:11-14 Lk 12:1-7 Reflection: Being a Christian is not for the faint of heart. Although our contemporary » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists. Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 Luke 12:35-38 Reflection: St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists, was born in 1694 » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 3:1-9 Romans 5:5-11 John 6:37-40 Reflection: Today’s feast of All Souls summons powerful waves of memory for each of us and recalls the richness found in human relationships. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:12-22 Luke 12:35-38 Reflection: We are in the fall of the year, when the harvest is being gathered from the fields. This is the final stage of a » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 Thessalonians 1:1-5b Matthew 22:15-21 Reflection: The Gospel reading for today is written by a professional who understood perfectly what was going on, Matthew the tax collector! » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10a Philippians 4:12-14,19-20 Matthew 22:1-14 Reflection: Jesus never explicitly says what the kingdom of heaven is. Instead he says it is like such and such. In this parable, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 3:22-29 Luke 11:27-28 Reflection: A group of enthusiastic retreatants shouted "Amen!" one weekend when asked if they believe in the Communion of Saints. They were affirming and celebrating » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: On my mom’s first visit to Immaculate Conception rectory, Fr. Eric said to her: "How does it feel to have a son » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 3:7-14 Luke 11:15-26 Reflection: In Jesus’ day, the factions of the religious elite pitted themselves against each other. They so emphasized the letter of the law that they » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 5:18-25 Luke 11:42-46 Reflection: St. Theresa of Avila was a great mystic of the sixteenth century and reformer of the Carmelite Nuns. The reading from Romans defines her » Continue Reading.