Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 7, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

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 from Paul’s Letter to the Romans calls the reader to active participation in the ongoing mission of Christ as we all strive for unity in the Spirit. Paul reminds us that each of us is gifted and those gifts are given for the building up of the Body. Paul also calls us to live out our love of Christ actively in our world and in our lives, serving the LORD through our encounters with one another, humbly and with the resiliency of hope, fueled by love.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I actively living my faith? Do I continually seek the LORD’s guidance in my life? Do I use what the LORD has given me in service to the LORD and my sisters and brothers? Am I joyful and loving in my service?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You this day full of hope, offering our praise to You for all You are: Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier. We lift up our voices in thanksgiving for all that You have given to us from our very lives to the individual gifts we possess because of You. Stir your love within us and increase our desire to share that which You have given to us for your glory and for love of our sisters and brothers. Help us to spread the Good News through our words and through our actions this day and all days of our lives. Increase our faith, deepen our hope, and intensify our love for your so that we might humbly and zealously work for the growth of the Kingdom of heaven, for your glory, and for the good of our sisters and brothers. 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.