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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 3, 2023

Scripture: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-71 Corinthians 1:3-9Mark 13:33-37 Reflection: History is full of stories and records of individuals and nations alike, who prepared for one eventuality only to be totally » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 2, 2023

Scripture: Daniel 7:15-27Luke 21:34-36 Reflection: Tomorrow is the first day of Advent. Soon we will be singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. If we ever wondered if we need Jesus » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, December 1, 2023

Scripture: Daniel 7:2-14Luke 21:29-33 Reflection: We are one month away from finishing another calendar year. In the coming weeks, we will hear reflections on the events of this year in » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 29, 2023

Scripture: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28Luke 21: 12-19 Reflection: By your perseverance you will secure your lives. -Luke 21:19 In this last week of the liturgical year, we are reminded » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 28, 2023

Scripture: Daniel 2:31-45Luke 21:5-11 Reflection: We are in the closing days of Ordinary Time with the season of Advent right around the corner!  The days have been busy with the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 27, 2023

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20Luke 21:1-4 Reflection: Lord, I understand the message of Your parable of the poor woman tithing; that whatever gifts we are given we must share with a humble » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 26, 2023

Solemnity of Christ the King Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-171 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28Matthew 25:31-46 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus gives » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 25, 2023

Scripture: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13Luke 20:27-40 Reflection: Throughout my ministry, I have to confess that I haven’t really preached on either 1 or 2 Maccabees. These books are indeed filled with » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 24, 2023

Scripture: 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59Luke 19:45-48 Reflection: Jesus had a very intense concern about prayer. ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, November 23, 2023

Thanksgiving Day (USA) Scripture: Sirach 50:22-241 Corinthians 1:3-9Luke 17:11-19 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for Thanksgiving Day, ten lepers approach Jesus, at a distance, as He is traveling through Samaria » Continue Reading.

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