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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, January 16, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13Mark 2:23-28 Reflection: Pope Francis, in his weekly audience, continued his series on virtues and vices. His brief address concerned gluttony. Pope Francis notes the stark contrast » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 15, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 Mark 2:18-22 Reflection: Obedience is better than sacrificeWhile respecting his traditions and history, Jesus definitely seemed to have a preference for the new over the old. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 14, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 191 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20John 1:35-42 Reflection: Today’s readings are introductory pieces that will tell of punishments rendered by God for sins. In upcoming verses and chapters » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 13, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1aMark 2:13-17 Reflection: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 12, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22aMark 2:1-12 Reflection: “When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home.  Many gathered together so that there was » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 11, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-11Mark 1:40-45 Reflection:  In today’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus dramatically begins his public ministry in Capernaum where he has established his residence.  It is there on the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 10, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20Mark 1:29-39 Reflection: My grandson sent me a picture from the San Diego Zoo of two young tiger cubs chasing each other and tussling with delight. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 9, 2024

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:9-20Mark 1:21-28 Reflection: Here Begins the Gospel of Mark We begin our daily reading of Mark’s gospel today: 1:21-28. The celebrant can include Monday’s gospel, the calling » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 8, 2024

The Baptism of the Lord Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10:34-38Matthew 3:13-17 Reflection: The Commissioning of Jesus Today’s feast of Our Lord’s Baptism brings Christmas season to its end, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 7, 2024

The Epiphany of the Lord Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6Matthew 2:1-12 Reflection: Where is the newborn king of the Jews?We saw his star at its risingand have come to do » Continue Reading.

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