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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, July 13, 2025

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

Reflection:

The parable of the Good Samaritan is so familiar to most of us that it can sometimes be a challenge to find new insight within the story. Once again, we read that Jesus is “tested” by a scholar of the law attempting to catch him out. It feels like the same old scenario where Jesus’ words (and authority) are seen as a threat to those who hold a strict interpretation of the law. Jesus masterfully uses this parable—only found in Luke—to demonstrate who our neighbor is and what the law requires.

Not content with Jesus’ response, “Do this and you will live” further attempting to “justify himself,”  he asks, “And who is my neighbor?” This scholar seems to understand the neighbor as the people of Israel alone. The first part of Leviticus 19:18 begins with, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people” and continues, “but you shall love your neighbor as yourself,” perhaps giving insight to the scholar’s understanding. There is no justification for this scholar, rather Jesus’ interpretation expands and broadens the scope of the law. In this instance, his parable demonstrating a (hated) Samaritan as being the one who shows compassion is insulting to the scholar.

Theologian Karl Barth has said that we should hold our Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, read both, and interpret the newspaper through the Bible. In light of recent events, I cannot help but associate the man who fell into the hands of robbers and lies beaten and half dead with many situations of suffering. Six months ago, we had the devastating fires in California. Living in the Eaton fire area, we know so many who are still displaced, beaten down by all the tasks of rebuilding their lives. The obstacles are enormous, and the recent immigration raids have only added to the fear and economic hardships of an already suffering community. Additionally, the unspeakable horrors of the floods in Texas, claiming too many lives, amplifies the suffering.  Those beaten and broken—our neighbors—need many “good Samaritans.”  

Evoking the prophet Isaiah’s words, “You will indeed look but not perceive, for this people’s heart has grown dull” (Is. 6:10), the priest and the Levite looked and kept going restrained by strict purity and societal laws. Yet, Jesus tells us above all to see and act to care for our wounded. Love of God and love of neighbor is our lens—always. St. Paul tells us in Colossians that he is the firstborn of all creation, the image of the invisible God, from whom everything flows. Made in his image and likeness, we press on in hope. While current events can be overwhelming, we are an Easter people, and alleluia must ultimately be our song.

Deuteronomy offers us the hopeful assurance that when we turn to the Lord, our God, with all our heart and soul, we will succeed in carrying out the work of building the kingdom one act at a time. Theologian Dolores Williams writes that God makes a way out of no way. Refreshed and nourished by this truth, our hearts will never grow dull.

May we live out the words that our psalm instructs, turn to the Lord in our need, and we will live. Amen

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Daily Scripture, October 16, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 5:18-25Luke 11:42-46 Reflection: One of my favorite movie lines comes from the golf classic, “Caddyshack.” Judge Smails and Ty are arguing about participation in a golf tournament. The » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 15, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-6Luke 11:37-41 Reflection: Can you imagine being invited to someone’s home for an evening meal and then find yourself being criticized for the way you eat your food » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 14, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: Today’s reading revisits the ancient world’s horrific distinctions between slaves and free people, and the children of slaves and free people. Imagine gathering around a round table today with people from all walks of life. We arrive by jet and car; they » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 13, 2024

Scripture: Wisdom 7:7-11Hebrews 4:12-13Mark 10:17-30 Reflection: Something I have never noticed before is what is missing in Jesus’ listing some of the commandments. He omits the first one, “I, the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 12, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:22-29Luke 11:27-28 Reflection: Today’s readings succinctly reveal to us the impact of the messianic message that opens our hearts and minds to faith in Jesus Christ. In the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 11, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:7-14Luke 11:15-26 Reflection: A Disciple’s Work is Never Done Dueling banjos. Paul and Jesus really go at it today! Our readings deliver their message with energy, peaceful assurance » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 10, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5Luke 11:5-13 Reflection: One of the most challenging things Jesus ever said was “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” I’ve struggled with » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 9, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14Luke 11:1-4 Reflection: A Synod in Rome and One in Galatia The Synod continues in Rome. It is a magnum opus, and we pray that, like at » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 8, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-24Luke 10:38-42 Reflection: Lessons from Paul on how to write a Curriculum Vitae Paul must have started the Galatian community on his early missionary trip. Other missionaries followed » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 7, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12Luke 10:25-37 Reflection: But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?  -Luke 10:29 Rusty was always “going” where he wasn’t supposed » Continue Reading.

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