Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 29, 2025

Painting by Hendrik van Balen

Date: Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist

Scripture Text:  Psalm 97:1 and 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12

R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

let the many isles be glad.

Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

before the LORD of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The LORD loves those who hate evil;

he guards the lives of his faithful ones;

from the hand of the wicked he delivers them.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Light dawns for the just;

and gladness, for the upright of heart.

Be glad in the LORD, you just,

and give thanks to his holy name.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The responsorial psalm used today are specific verses form Psalm 97, a royal enthronement psalm that specifically calls us, the faithful, to lift our hearts and voices in loving praise of our LORD, king of all creation.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I daily lift my heart and voice in praise of my LORD without whom I would not be? Do I think the LORD for His love and blessings and grace?

Praying:

LORD, You are always, You are everywhere, and I am only because You are and You desire that be. Stir within me so that I believe with all my being, so that I return your love with all my strengths, and so that I become the one You created me to be. Amen.