Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 24, 2025

Date: Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Scripture Text:  Acts 13:22-26

In those days, Paul said:

“God raised up David as king; of him God testified, I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’

“My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading today from Acts recounts Paul’s address to the assembly in the synagogue of Antioch evangelizing them, telling them of the LORD’s mission of salvation and the rise of a savior from the House of David.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I open to the words of salvation uttered by others for my good? Who do I tell others Jesus Christ is? Who do I believe He is?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You gave us life; in love, You created us. With love, you desire that we have a life in abundance with You. You sent your only-begotten Son to dwell on earth with us as our brother, to take upon himself our human nature in all ways except sin. And You asked Him to give Himself lovingly and selflessly to redeem us of our sins, even though He is sinless. Send your Spirit to stir within us full recognition of your Son’s sacrificial gift for us and to us. Rouse us to faith and good works for love of You and love of our sisters and brothers. Grant that we may give witness to your beloved Son through our words and our lives. 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.