Daily Scripture, July 14, 2025
Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
Scripture:
Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Matthew 10:34-11:1
Reflection:
The Enduring Shadow of Cruelty
When we look back at history, as far back as the oldest writings of the Old Testament, the patterns of human cruelty are stark and undeniable. From the ancient Egyptians’ subjugation of the Jewish people to the systematic genocide perpetrated by the Germans in the last century, the echoes of injustice reverberate. We see it in the brutal enslavement of Africans by 17th and 18th-century plantation owners in the Americas, and in the genocide inflicted upon indigenous peoples by settlers across the continent. Today is no exception. Tyrants and the people who support them unleash invasions and bombs, indiscriminately murdering innocent civilians.
A Call to Action: Choosing Compassion
Given this enduring legacy of cruelty, how can each of us contribute to nudging human behavior away from it, starting within our own families and communities? Is it truly so difficult to love both our neighbors and our enemies?
Every moment presents a choice. When we have a stressful thought or when someone causes us stress, what can we do to transform our thinking into positive thoughts and action? Or when we feel offended, don’t we have an opportunity to transform that offense into deeper understanding? We can choose compassion over contempt, and empathy over animosity. By making these conscious choices, we begin to dismantle the roots of cruelty, one interaction at a time.
.Jack Dermody is President of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a Passionist alumni organization dedicated to assisting those who live in poverty; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the Passionist Alumni Association’s newsletter.
Scripture: Acts 6:1-7John 6:16-21 Reflection: In today’s reading of John 6:16, we see the disciples in a boat on their way to Capernaum. A strong wind blows, and as they » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 5:34-42John 6:1-15 Reflection: Today we hear the story of Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and fishes; a story which is found in all four Gospels. In this story » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 5:27-33John 3:31-36 Reflection: ‘We must obey God rather than men’! This is a profound statement of faith coming out of the mouths of Peter and the Apostles. The » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Mark Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5b-14 Mark 16:15-20 Reflection: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” ~Mark 16:15 What a wonderful charge. And » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 5:12-16Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19John 20:19-31 Reflection: Encountering Christ “The doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood in their midst, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 4:1-12John 21:1-14 Reflection: Lord, Your words today shame me. Peter and John were so strong and eloquent facing down the Sadducees in the temple and healing in » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 3:11-26Luke 24:13-35 Reflection: It’s really quite humorous. Peter addressing the crowd with such self-assurance, such self-confidence in today’s first reading… he’s almost condescending! Not long before this speech » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 3: 1-10Luke 24: 13-35 Reflection: On this third day after we have celebrated the great feast of the Resurrection of Christ, the scripture readings present us with two » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:36-41John 20:11-18 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, Mary of Magdala is outside of the tomb where Jesus was. She is weeping because even though the tomb is empty, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-33Matthew 28:8-15 Reflection: In my life I’ve seen the rise of sensationalism, conspiracy theories, and the like in the media. I can’t speculate the degree which the » Continue Reading.