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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, June 10, 2025

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection:

There is palpable excitement about Pope Leo XIV. And palpable shock that he is from the U.S. Although some seem to think it’s a tribute to this country that “one of us” now leads the Church, I believe the Pope himself would reject that. He loves the U.S, yes, but he loves the Gospel more. He loves those he served as a missionary, even becoming a naturalized citizen of their country. He loves the poor he served – those for whom he carried heavy rice sacks on his back and delivered them on foot, whose flooded streets he tromped, and for whom he constantly embodied the compassion of Christ. Self-congratulations or lauding his roots are far from his heart and focus.

Instead, he focuses on challenging us to deepen our discipleship, perhaps suggesting that too many Catholics have lost their salt or hidden their light under a bushel basket. We get too comfortable in our faith, relying on the fact that we follow the rules (and showing disdain for those who don’t), as if that defines a “good Catholic.”

Pope Leo says our calling is far deeper and broader than simply obeying rules. The very way we live our lives must reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He says we, individually and as a Church, must “make ourselves small” and do as Jesus did – lift up the downtrodden, freely give what we have, care for the poor, bring in the outcast, tend the sick, and share the joy of faith in a living God who created each of us. He strongly warns that falling into desires for power, exclusivity, dominance, wealth, and other lures of the world only serve to distort the Gospel and what Christianity truly is.

As I listen to his words, I know there are many things in America and in my personal life that fall short. Are we, and am I, serving the ones that Jesus would have us serve? Are we, and am I, making myself small so God’s mercy and grace can shine more clearly? How have we, and I, turned a blind eye to those in need, stopped being salty, hidden the light from those in darkness, and perpetuated our own agendas to the detriment of others? In what ways are we, and I, held in the spell of control, money, and exclusion? How often do we, and I, conform to things we don’t believe in, succumbing to powerlessness or fear, rather than taking the risk of standing up for those who will be harmed or left even more desperate as a result? 

This week I pray to more fully follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ rather than to hide that light under a bushel basket of my own making. May we all strive to be disciples in the mold of Pope Leo XIV. And may the Spirit ever guide his path as he leads this Church.

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.

Daily Scripture, October 1, 2017

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:25-28 Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32 Reflection: Both the readings for this Sunday are powerful.  In the gospel selection, we hear the parable of the two sons from Matthew’s » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 30, 2017

Scripture: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a Luke 9:43b-45 Reflection: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!  See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord.” Zechariah 2:14 The red sanctuary lamp » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 29, 2017

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels Scripture: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12 John 1:47-51 Reflection: War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 28, 2017

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-8 Luke 9:7-9 Reflection: Psalm 149:4   The Lord takes delight in his people John 14:6       I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 27, 2017

Scripture: Ezra 9:5-9 Luke 9:1-6 Reflection: Jesus gives us his “marching orders” in today’s reading from Luke. Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 26, 2017

Scripture: Ezra 6:7-8, 12B, 14-20 Luke 8:19-21 Reflection: He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 25, 2017

Scripture: Ezra 1:1-6 Luke 8:16-18 Reflection: Back in college I had a delightful humanities teacher who periodically would depart from his prepared notes, and generously share wonderful insights about culture » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 24, 2017

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-9 Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Matthew 20:1-16a   Reflection: The Kindness of God “Are you envious because I am good?”  “God is good” is a close translation of today’s » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 22, 2017

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 Luke 8:1-3 Reflection: Recently I was hospitalized for five days ( doing fine now,  thanks).  I was confined to bed and was not supposed to get » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 21, 2017

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:9-13 Reflection: Today we celebrate the memory of St. Matthew, one of the original twelve apostles, and the author of » Continue Reading.

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