Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 8, 2023

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

Scripture Text: Romans 13:8-10

Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments,

You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today is taken from Paul’s Letter to the Romans and simply reiterates what Jesus taught, namely that the greatest commandments are Love the LORD with all our mind, heart and strength and love one another as we love ourselves. As Jesus told us, the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Is my life built on love? Is love my first response? Do I seek a loving resolution to challenges? Is love of the other my guiding principle in my relationships?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, You are love itself. From love, through love, and in love You create us, You redeem us, You sanctify us, and You call us to yourself. Grant that we may set down the divisiveness of this world and allow your transformative love to stir within us, to guide us, and to draw us to You. Help us to live our love for You through our love for your daughters and son always and everywhere. Help us to see within others the ones You created, the ones You gave your life to redeem, the ones You gift and grace. 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.