Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 4, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 31^st Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo

Scripture Text:  Romans 12:5-16ab

Brothers and sisters:

We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them:

if prophecy, in proportion to the faith;

if ministry, in ministering;

if one is a teacher, in teaching;

if one exhorts, in exhortation;

if one contributes, in generosity;

if one is over others, with diligence;

if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be sincere;

hate what is evil,

hold on to what is good;

love one another with mutual affection;

anticipate one another in showing honor.

Do not grow slack in zeal,

be fervent in spirit,

serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope,

endure in affliction,

persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,

exercise hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you,

bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.

Have the same regard for one another;

do not be haughty but associate with the lowly.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today from Paul’s Letter to the Romans reminds us our place within the living Body of Christ and the necessity for using the gifts we have been given to build up that body. The second part of the reading is one of my favorites; if we could live this way, we would find “the Way” the blessing that it is. It is not easy, but it is who we are called to be.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I prayerfully discern my gifts and seek the Spirit’s help in using them for the building up of the Body of Christ? Am I trying to live as a disciple of Christ, imitating the Master’s example of loving others and living faithfully?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, we come to You today in thanksgiving for your sacrifices for us and the gift of the Spirit to equip us for our lives here on earth as we journey home to life in abundance with You and the Father in the Spirit. Grant that we may spend our days using our gifts for the building up of your Body here on earth. Help us to live the lives You called us to live through your teaching, through your example, and through your sacrifice. Amen.