Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 24, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Friday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 1 Chronicles 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd

R. (13b) We praise your glorious name, O mighty God. "Blessed may you be, O LORD, God of Israel our father, from eternity to eternity." R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God. "Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory. For all in heaven and on earth is yours." R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God. "Yours, O LORD, is the sovereignty; you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor are from you." R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God. "You have dominion over all, In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all." R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today our response to the first reading is not drawn from Psalms but rather from 1st Chronicles. It is a song of praise which is appropriate after the 1st reading which explains the victory of the Macabees, the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, and the origin of the annual celebration of Hanukkah. It speaks to us of the power of our eternal LORD for all eternity over heaven and earth, of our LORD’s sovereignty and dominion.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I offer the LORD praise regularly? Do I acknowledge with humility my reliance upon the LORD for all that is, including me?

Praying:

LORD of heaven and earth, creator of all things good, we raise our voices in praise to You. Our minds are filled with awe as our hearts are filled with love for You. How can we offer You adequate thanksgiving? Send your Spirit to strengthen us for our journey in faith and to fortify our hope in your promise as we make our way in love. Grant that we may grow into the daughters and sons You created us to be. Amen.