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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, July 2, 2025

Scripture:

Genesis 21:5, 8-20a
Matthew 8:28-34

Reflection:

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
When the poor one called out, the Lord heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.  ~ Psalm 34:7

This psalm response summarizes the message of today’s Scripture readings: God hears the cry of the poor, and God acts on their behalf.

And today’s readings show us very graphically what poverty looks like. In our first reading from Genesis, we find Hagar, a slave put out into the wilderness with her child, with a little food and water. When the water ran out, Hagar wept bitterly as she despaired for the life of her child. And in the Gospel reading for today, Jesus encounters two violent men, possessed by demons, feared by those around them, and relegated to living in the tombs outside of town. They cry out to Jesus for help.

The slave woman, her child and the two men living in the tombs are all on the margins of society, meaning they do not benefit from the economic and social assets enjoyed in the mainstream. Low status in society (being a slave) and those whose behavior does not conform to society’s standards, (violent and erratic behavior) lead one to the margins—and to poverty.

But God hears the cry of the poor. Hagar’s son is named “Ishmael”, which means “God hears.” God hears Hagar’s cry for her child’s life and sends an angel to help her. And Jesus hears the cry of the poor men living in the tombs and releases them from their demons.

Pope Francis, in an address for the World Day of the Poor in 2018, reaffirmed that the cries of the poor find a hearing with God. And then Pope Francis put out a challenge to us Christians: “Do we have eyes to see, ears to hear, hands outstretched to offer help? ‘Christ Himself appeals to the charity of His disciples in the person of the poor.’ (Gaudium et Spes). He asks us to recognize Him in all those who are hungry and thirsty, in the stranger and those stripped of dignity, in the sick and those in prison. The Lord stretches out His hand, freely and not out of duty. And so, it must be with us.”

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She serves on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroi, Michigant. Patty is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Daily Scripture, November 4, 2024

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4Luke 14:12-14 Reflection: Called to Serve the Least, the Last, the Lost… We continue the journey of our annual November commemoration of saintly » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 3, 2024

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:2-6Hebrews 7:23-28Mark 12:28b-34 Reflection: There were endless arguments in Jesus’ time about which of the 613 commandments was to be most honoured. That is, which was ‘the greatest.’ » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 2, 2024

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Scripture: Wisdom 3:1-9Romans 6:3-9John 6:37-40 Reflection: Yesterday, when we celebrated All Saints Day, we remembered those recognized by the Church as » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 1, 2024

Solemnity of All Saints Scripture: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-141 John 3: 1-3Matthew 5:1-12a Reflection: As we celebrate All Saints Day, many Catholics would likely describe sainthood in terms of a formal » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 31, 2024

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20Luke 13:31-35 Reflection: Happy Thursday in the 30th Week of Ordinary Time! Our time on earth is filled with beautiful moments. Gifts from God of incredible grandeur and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 30, 2024

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9Luke 13:22-30 Reflection: I wonder how presiders and preachers will handle today’s readings. This is complicated. Masters. Slaves. Who is in? Who is out? First. The Last. Maybe » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 29, 2024

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33Luke 13:18-21 Reflection: Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?” The first reading today contains a beautiful description of how Christ is the perfect spouse of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 28, 2024

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22Luke 6:12-16 Reflection: Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles.  We celebrate these two ordinary men chosen » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 27, 2024

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-9Hebrews 5:1-6Mark 10:46-52 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for this Sunday (Mark 10:46-52), Jesus is leaving Jericho. By the roadside, a man named Bartimaeus is begging. He is » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 26, 2024

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16Luke 13:1-9 Reflection: My father could not abide those whom he described as “vulgar” or “crass.” He believed people were better than that and expected his children to be » Continue Reading.

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