Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 22, 2024

Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 22, 2024

Date: 4th Sunday of Advent

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:5-10

Brothers and sisters:

When Christ came into the world, he said:

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,

but a body you prepared for me;

in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.

Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll,

behold, I come to do your will, O God.’“

First, he says, “Sacrifices and offerings,

holocausts and sin offerings,

you neither desired nor delighted in.”

These are offered according to the law.

Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will.”

He takes away the first to establish the second.

By this “will,” we have been consecrated

through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In the second reading for today from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews, we are powerfully reminded that Jesus selflessly sacrificed himself the cross of Calvary because He had come to do the will of the Father, He had come to gain salvation from the Father, through His sacrifice, in the Spirit. Through his sacrifice, we are saved.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How sincerely do I seek the will of the LORD for me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, salvation came to us from You, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in the Spirit. This was your will for us. And your will began with Mary who responded to your favor with faith, hope and love even though she realized the hardships that would entail. Send your Spirit to help us as we seek to discern your divine will for us individually, as we seek to use this life You have given to us as You will. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.