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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, March 15, 2014

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Matthew 5:43-48 Reflection: To fulfill Jesus’ command to love my enemy, it is critical for me, in prayer, to ask myself the question, "Who or what do » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 13, 2014

Scripture: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Matthew 7:7-12   Reflection: The readings today are all about prayer- its power, its efficacy, that it really works.  The reading from the book of Esther » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 12, 2014

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10 Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: The prospect of a "miracle" catches the attention of most any human being.  Perhaps a physical healing, a financial turn-around, the avoidance of a » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 10, 2014

Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Matthew 25:31-46 Reflection: When I was in grade school, we were tested and re-tested on our ability to recite the Ten Commandments. Some people proclaim these » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 9, 2014

  First Sunday of Lent Scripture: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11   Reflection:                  Lent: Working on Our Relationship with God Eve saw that the fruit of the tree » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 8, 2014

Saturday after Ash Wednesday Scripture: Isaiah 58:9b-14 Luke 5:27-32 Reflection: One of the messages of today’s Gospel was recently addressed by Pope Francis.  "If we don’t feel in need of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 7, 2014

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15 Reflection: I have never liked Lent. As a very young child I remember a time of the year (and it seemed to come every year) » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 6, 2014

Thursday after Ash Wednesday Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25 Reflection: As we read the Gospels, we get a sense that many people followed Jesus. At times these people are described » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 5, 2014

Ash Wednesday Scripture: Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Reflection: Last Friday was the title feast of our Passionist Congregation.  St. Paul of the Cross proclaimed the Friday » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 4, 2014

  Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-16 Mark 10:28-31       Reflection: God’s Generosity: It’s Real! Today’s Gospel selection follows upon Monday’s selection which featured Jesus dealing with the rich young » Continue Reading.

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