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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, April 9, 2011

Scripture: Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-53 Reflection: In John’s gospel we meet error, confusion and even, we might say, the manifestation of an ‘original sin’ in self-imposed isolation. Jeremiah, the Prophet » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 8, 2011

Scripture: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Reflection: As we journey toward Holy Week, our readings focus on violence and treachery. Jesus is the focus of misunderstanding and injustice. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 7, 2011

Scripture: Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47 Reflection: The gospel of John tells of the conflicts of Jesus in Jerusalem.  The background for today’s dispute took place on his second visit.  He » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 4, 2011

  Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54       Reflection: Complete Faith and Heading For Home Modern medicine has changed life as we know it.  Real progress has been made » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 3, 2011

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 Reflection: Give up, or given in? Is that the question to address during this journey » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 1, 2011

Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 Reflection: The readings today are a call of love – a call from love and a call to love. Hosea emphasizes God’s love:  Out of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 31, 2011

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23 Reflection: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts" Our readings today seem to reflect around the theme of LISTENING. Our journey of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 29, 2011

Scripture: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection: A very holy monk was once asked in a television interview what were the present day challenges to Christianity? He paused for a » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 28, 2011

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-15b Luke 4:24-30 Reflection: In today’s Gospel and the verses preceding it, Jesus quoting Isaiah instructs his listeners and us to bring the good news to the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 27, 2011

Third Sunday of Lent  Scripture: Exodus 17:3-7 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42, or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42 Reflection: "God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit » Continue Reading.

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