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Daily Reflections

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.

Daily Scripture, April 13, 2014

  Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66   Reflection: On Sunday we celebrate Passion Sunday, and our account of the Passion » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 15, 2014

Tuesday of Holy Week Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6 John 13:1-33, 36-38 Reflection: Jesus had just washed the feet of his apostles and takes his place again at the table. No doubt » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 11, 2014

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent Scripture: Jeremiah 20:10-13 John 10:31-42 Reflection: "This is who I am," Jesus tells the Jewish leaders repeatedly.  Look at my works, he says.  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 12, 2014

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent Scripture: Ezekiel 37:21-28 John 11:45-56 Reflection: The drumbeat of execution heightens the tension as the Gospel reveals a plot by the religious authorities » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 9, 2014

  Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Scripture: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42     Reflection: The Struggle to Believe Our Gospel setting is the feast of Tabernacles. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 8, 2014

  Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 Reflection: One of my all-time favorite hymns is "Lift High the Cross."  I think it defines our » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 7, 2014

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent Scripture: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 John 8:1-11 Scripture: It’s so easy to be judge, jury and executioner, especially if you find yourself » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 6, 2014

Fifth Sunday of Lent Scripture: Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans 8: 8-11 John 11:1-45 Reflection: Ten more days and we will enter Holy Week. Lent is quickly come to an end. You » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 4, 2014

    Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Scripture: Wisdom 2:1,12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30     Reflection: "…they were trying to kill Him…" Jesus came to our world » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 18, 2014

Good Friday Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: A life’s project seemingly in tatters, trapped on a cross, betrayed, beaten, abused and experiencing a most cruel death. » Continue Reading.

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