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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, October 22, 2011

Scripture: Romans 8:1-11 Luke 13:1-9 Reflection: "Brothers and sisters: Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1   How great is that?!!! When we » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 23, 2011

Scripture: Exodus 22:20-26 1Thessalonians 1:5c-10 Matthew 22:34-40 Reflection: After looking at our first reading from Exodus, where God tells the people not to "molest or oppress an alien," not to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 19, 2011

Memorial of Saint John de Brebeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, and their companions, martyrs Scripture: Romans 6:12-18 Luke 12:39-48 Reflection: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 18, 2011

Feast of Saint Luke Scripture: 2 Timothy 4: 17 Luke 10: 1-9 Reflection: "But the Lord stood by me and gave me help…"   Paul is a very honest man. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 17, 2011

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch  Scripture: Romans 4:20-25 Luke 12:13-21 Reflection: When I look at creation I cannot help but think that there has to be something more than » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 20, 2011

Feast of Saint Paul of the Cross (USA), Founder of the Passionist Congregation  Scripture: Romans 6:19-23 Luke 12:49-53 Reflection: Today we celebrate the feast of St. Paul of the Cross.  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 16, 2011

Scripture: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b Mt 22:15-21 Reflection: I love the sparseness of today’s Gospel; Jesus’ deftly reframes the trap that has been set for him: Then repay » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 15, 2011

Feast of St. Teresa of Avila Scripture: Romans 4:13, 16-18 Luke  12:8-12 Reflection: What is the role of faith in your life? Does your life, by its words and actions » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 12, 2011

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11 Luke 11:42-46 Reflection: The message of today’s readings seems easy enough to figure out, as we’ve heard it many times before: don’t pass judgment. Simple enough…and yet » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 13, 2011

Scripture: Romans 3:21-30 Luke 11:47-54 Reflection: Paul’s great letter to the Romans was written in 58AD from Corinth as he prepared to go to Jerusalem with the collection from the » Continue Reading.

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