On Mercy and Judgment at the End of June 2025

Today’s Mass readings were profoundly rich and deeply relevant. The first reading came from the Book of Genesis, where Abraham engages in a bold dialogue with God, pleading for mercy on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah:

“Then Abraham said, ‘May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it’'— Genesis 18:32

Abraham begins by asking if God would spare the cities for the sake of 50 righteous people—and gradually works his way down to 10. But not even ten could be found. As we know, the cities were ultimately destroyed by fire and brimstone because of their widespread sin and lack of repentance:

“Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain...”

 — Genesis 19:24–25, NIV

The Responsorial Psalm captured the essence of God’s nature:

“The Lord is kind and merciful ”- Psalm 103

Even in judgment, God’s mercy remains central. And that is the theme of the entire first reading. 

The Gospel reading was equally compelling. Jesus responds to a disciple who wanted to return home first to bury his father:

“But Jesus told him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’”— Matthew 8:22

He also remarked:

“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”— Matthew 8:20

These words remind us of the radical commitment that following Christ requires. What kind of disciplines do we aspire to be? One willing to go all in or the one with excuses: the weather, I don't feel good, my friends want to hangout etc.

As we reflect on the world today, the reading from Genesis feels especially poignant. The word "sodomy," often used to describe certain immoral acts, is derived from the name Sodom, a city whose downfall came from rebellion against God’s natural and moral law. 

Ju t yesterday, I heard on the news about a large Pride Parade held in Manhattan, NYC, on the last Sunday of the month and I was driving back to New Haven. It struck me how the month of June, which the Church has long dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol of divine love and mercy, is also designated by the secular world as “Pride Month.” Ironically, pride is listed among the seven deadly sins, a dangerous spiritual posture when it leads to defiance and self-exaltation above God's will.

Yet, in all this, today’s readings remind us that God is still merciful. Like Abraham, we can intercede. Like the Psalm proclaims, God remains kind and compassionate. If we turn away from our sinful paths and call upon Him, He is always ready to receive us:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”-2 Chronicles 7:14.

As the month of June ends, may we reflect on these powerful readings and recommit ourselves to living lives that honor God’s truth, while trusting in His unending mercy.

God bless you 🙌 

Pal Ronnie