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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, July 14, 2025

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin

Scripture:

Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Matthew 10:34-11:1

Reflection:

The Enduring Shadow of Cruelty

When we look back at history, as far back as the oldest writings of the Old Testament, the patterns of human cruelty are stark and undeniable. From the ancient Egyptians’ subjugation of the Jewish people to the systematic genocide perpetrated by the Germans in the last century, the echoes of injustice reverberate. We see it in the brutal enslavement of Africans by 17th and 18th-century plantation owners in the Americas, and in the genocide inflicted upon indigenous peoples by settlers across the continent. Today is no exception. Tyrants and the people who support them unleash invasions and bombs, indiscriminately murdering innocent civilians.

A Call to Action: Choosing Compassion

Given this enduring legacy of cruelty, how can each of us contribute to nudging human behavior away from it, starting within our own families and communities? Is it truly so difficult to love both our neighbors and our enemies?

Every moment presents a choice. When we have a stressful thought or when someone causes us stress, what can we do to transform our thinking into positive thoughts and action? Or when we feel offended, don’t we have an opportunity to transform that offense into deeper understanding? We can choose compassion over contempt, and empathy over animosity. By making these conscious choices, we begin to dismantle the roots of cruelty, one interaction at a time.

.Jack Dermody is President of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a Passionist alumni organization dedicated to assisting those who live in poverty; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the Passionist Alumni Association’s newsletter.

Daily Scripture, December 23, 2010

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66 Reflection: Perhaps you’ve heard about the lawsuit against McDonald’s for enticing children to eat unhealthy foods by » Continue Reading.

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.

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