Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 2, 2023

Romans 6:3-4, 8-11

Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.

Breaking the text open:

The second reading for today, the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, is taken from Paul’s Letter to the Romans. It reminds us that through our baptisms are immersed in Jesus’ death and his resurrection. Through our baptisms we share in Christ’s life. Through our baptism we are called to be “dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”

Meditating on the text:

Paul reminds me that I am called as one of Christ’s disciples to live for God in Christ Jesus. How do I do that? How am I living for the LORD? How do I open myself to Jesus Christ so that He lives within me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, You call me to yourself. You call me to live into the one You created me to be. You call me follow You as your disciple and to proclaim the good news that You laid down your life for us, reconciling us to our Almighty Father, so that we might have life in abundance. You come to me, kindle in me the fire of your love that is capable of transforming not only me but the whole world. Open my mind, my heart, my soul, LORD, so that I might more perfectly seek You, come to know You and love You, and serve You. 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.