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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, December 22, 2010

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Luke 1:46-56 Reflection: I am sitting in my living room looking at our Christmas tree. It is our 35th » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 19, 2010

Fourth Sunday of Advent Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 Reflection: "Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world or » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 18, 2010

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-8 Matthew 1:18-25 Reflection: "Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace forever." During this season of Advent we » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 17, 2010

Scripture: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Matthew 1:1-17 Reflection: During this past year I felt called by the Lord to purchase some video equipment and begin producing some videos, of myself and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 16, 2010

  Thursday of the Third Week of Advent  Scripture: Isaiah 54:1-10 Luke 7:24-30     Reflection: When I have had a significant disagreement with a friend or a quarrel with » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 15, 2010

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent  Scripture: Isaiah 45: 6c-8, 18, 21c-25 Luke 7: 18b-23 Reflection: The first reading is part of a longer section which began in chapter » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 14, 2010

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Matthew 21: 28-32 Reflection: There are several passages in the readings today that strike me. But there are a few in particular that are very powerful » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 13, 2010

Scripture: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Matthew 21:23-27 Reflection: As Christmas rushes closer we are brought up short by the introduction of the mysterious prophet Balaam, son of Beor.  What he has » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 10, 2010

Friday of the Second Week of Advent Scripture: Isaiah 48:17-19 Matthew 11:16-19 Reflection: I have often heard "prosperity evangelists" quote today’s first reading and psalm.  They say, "See?  God intends » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 9, 2010

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent  Scripture: Isaiah 41:13-20 Matthew 11:11-15 Reflection: This second week of Advent the prophecy of Isaiah shows us a New Exodus more marvelous than » Continue Reading.

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