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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, February 1, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6 Reflection: Today Mark shows us Jesus leaving the western side of the Sea of Galilee, where he had been teaching and healing the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 31, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3 Mark 5:21-43 Reflection: "Do not be afraid, just have faith."                     In today’s Gospel reading, St Mark uses a "sandwich" technique (one story » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 30, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Mark 5:1-20 Reflection: Throughout the gospels we see an ongoing battle between Jesus and the forces of evil.  Today’s gospel story is rather dramatic.  A legion » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 28, 2012

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 Mark 4:35-41 Reflection: "Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?" Getting to know Jesus is one » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 26, 2012

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus  Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 Mark 4:21-25 Reflection: "For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 25, 2012

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle  Scripture:  Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22 Mark 16:15-18 Reflection:  "Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." Paul also » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 27, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Psalm: 51: 3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 Mark 4: 26-34 Reflection: Adultery, lies, cover-up, murder – the story of King David and the planned assassination » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 29, 2012

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 1 Corinthians 7: 32-35 Mark 1: 21-28 Reflection: My reflection on today’s Scripture passages is all about "listening"; more particularly about listening with the heart.  Our responsorial » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 24, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19 Mark 3:31-35 Reflection: Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing  before the Lord with abandon  as he and all the house of Israel » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, January 23, 2012

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10 Mark 3:22-30 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, some of the scribes who have observed all that Jesus has done, say, "By the prince of demons » Continue Reading.

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