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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 2, 2013

 The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Scripture: Wisdom 3:1-9 Psalm: 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6 Romans 5:5-11 6:3-9 John 6:37-40   Reflection: Our Scriptural wisdom has many descriptions to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 1, 2013

The Feast of All Saints Scripture:                                                             Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 1 John 3: 1-3 Matthew 5: 1-12a    Reflection: On this Feast of All Saints the first reading assures us in visionary » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 31, 2013

Scripture: Roman 8:31-39 Luke 13:31-35 Reflection: There are easy scriptures and there are hard scriptures: It is easy to write a reflection on John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world."  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 30, 2013

Scripture: Romans 8:26-30 Luke 13:22-30 Reflection: When I was ten and my sister was 12, our mother passed away from cancer.  A tragedy for us and for our father.  But » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 29, 2013

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25 Psalm 126 Luke 13:18-21 Reflection: In today’s passage from Luke Jesus answers the question "What is the Kingdom of God like?  To what can I compare it?"  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 28, 2013

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22 Luke 6:12-16 Reflection: In Luke’s gospel today, we hear how Jesus went up to the mountain to pray.  Taking time for » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 27, 2013

  Scripture: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14     Reflection: The Problem with Religion During this season it’s not uncommon to spot a few pint-sized mummies » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 26, 2013

Scripture: Romans 8:1-11 Luke 13:1-9 Reflection: Today’s  Gospel story of the gardener’s plea to the landowner to give more time for the fig tree to bear fruit is unusual in » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 24, 2013

Scripture: Romans 6:19-23 Luke 12:49-53 Reflection: "Brothers and sisters:  I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature… For the wages of sin is death…"  Romans » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 23, 2013

Scripture: Romans 6:12-18 Luke 12:39-48 Reflection: During one of my talks during the retreat weekend, I reflect on the fact that forgiveness is one of the hardest things we are » Continue Reading.

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