Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 13, 2025

Date: Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua

Scripture Text:  2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So, death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed, therefore I spoke," we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading comes from Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians and speaks powerfully of life in Christ. Paul reminds us that while we will suffer in this life, life in Christ is abundantly graced. Paul also calls us to share our faith with others, “I believed, therefore I spoke.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I bring my suffering to Christ? Do I share my faith with others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we lift our prayers to You this day as we seek to live the lives You created us to live and the lives your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, calls us to live. Send your Spirit to fortify us for this journey in life so that we do not despair. Grant that we may have the courage to speak of your love for us and of the gift of your Son for our redemption to others. 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.