Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 4, 2024

Date:   5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

Brothers and sisters: If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading today is drawn from Paul’s 1st Letter to the Corinthians. In it, he writes of being entrusted with a stewardship, a call to serve in gratitude for what has been received. We recall that at creation in Genesis 1, the LORD gave all of creation to humanity and commanded humanity to exercise stewardship over it. As Christians, we have been given salvation from the Father, through Christ, in the Spirit. But our salvation carries with it the obligation of stewardship of the Good News, taking that Good News everywhere we go in word and deed.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I a steward of Christ and His loving salvation? Do I share it with others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your love for humanity and desire for us to have life in abundance with You necessitated Christ’s salvific mission, coming among us as our brother, loving us, revealing You and your love to us, and giving His life selflessly to atone for our sins. Send your Spirit to guide us in our journeys of faith, hope and love stewarding this great gift and sharing it with all our sisters and brothers wherever we go in word and deed. Grant that we may be good disciples of your beloved Son and good stewards of the gift of salvation. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.