Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 26, 2023

Date:  Feast of St. Stephen

 Scripture Text:  Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety.

You are my rock and my fortress;

for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;

you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.

I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.

Let your face shine upon your servant;

save me in your kindness.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The responsorial psalm today for the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, humbly acknowledges our reliance, our dependence upon the LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I turn to the LORD in my need? Do I seek the LORD’s guidance or do I insist on “doing it my way”?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come before You this day aware of our dependence upon You for life itself and for the goodness that exists in this world and beyond. We offer You our praise and thanksgiving and seek your guidance as we journey in faith. Strengthen our resolve to live as we are created to live and to seek always your will over our own. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.