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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, November 27, 2008

Scripture: Revelations 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9a Luke 21:20-28 Reflection: Today, as the calendar informs us, is a day to give thanks.  Given recent events, this day may have a very » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 22, 2008

Scripture: Revelations 11:4-12 Luke 20:27-40 Reflection: Do you remember the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees? The Sadducees don’t believe in life after death – that’s why they’re "sad » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 23, 2008

The Feast of Christ the King Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 Matthew 25:31-46 Reflection: I am a movie fan. Some of the movies I like to watch » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 19, 2008

Scripture: Revelations 4:1-11 Luke 19:11-28 Reflection: "I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven…" In the history of great opening lines, this one truly gives one pause. » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 29, 2008

Scripture: Revelations 22:1-7 Luke 21:34-36 Reflection: Today is the last day of the Church’s liturgical year. Tomorrow begins the season of Advent, a time of hope, expectation and joy as » Continue Reading.

Daily Reflection, Nov. 17, 2008

  Readings: Revelations 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Luke 18:35-43 Reflection: There is something so beautiful in the simplicity of today’s Gospel. A man without sight cries out in the darkness to Jesus » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 21, 2008

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: Revelation 10:8-11 Luke 19:45-48 Reflection: St. Paul of the Cross was devoted to this memorial.  He named his first monastery The Presentation, and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 16, 2008

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-311 Thessalonians 5:1-6Matthew 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21 Reflection: I grew up the child of Depression-era parents. My dad turned off the lights constantly, he saved string » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 14, 2008

Scripture: 2 John 4-6 Luke 17:26-37 Reflection: Just the other day I had an x-ray done of my left foot in order to see if I had torn a tendon » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 13, 2008

Scripture: Philemon 7-20 Luke 17:20-25 Reflection: Megan McKenna, the noted spiritual author and lecturer, tells a good story from her own spiritual director.  He told her: "You need to live » Continue Reading.

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