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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, May 2, 2011

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31 John 3:1-8 Reflection: This is a wonderful Easter-season set of readings.  Two very basic truths of the Resurrection/Easter event in the Church are put before us for » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, May 1, 2011

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Reflection: "Rejoice to the full in the glory that is yours, and give thanks to God who called you to his kingdom, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 30, 2011

Scripture: Acts 4:13-21 Mark 16:9-15 Reflection: On Easter morn Jesus rose from the dead.  When the apostles heard the news, at first they were doubtful, then they were excited…and then » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 29, 2011

Scripture: Acts 4:1-12 John 21:1-14 Reflection: "There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 28, 2011

Scripture: Acts 3:11-26 Luke 24:35-48 Reflection: We are still in the midst of the octave of Easter, and yet today’s Gospel and the Reading from Acts both speak of doubt.  » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 27, 2011

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35 Reflection: "Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him."   Today’s gospel begins with two disciples on » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 25, 2011

Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Matthew 28:8-15 Reflection: "Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples."   During this Octave » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 24, 2011

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord Scripture: Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 John 20:1-9 or Matthew 28:1-10 Reflection: Recently I visited the Gettysburg battlefield where » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 23, 2011

Holy Saturday Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Exodus 14:15-15:1 Isaiah 54:5-14, Isaiah 55:1-11 Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4, Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Romans 6:3-11 Matthew » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 22, 2011

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: Good Friday came alive for me the year one of my sons was an 8th » Continue Reading.

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