Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 9, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

Brothers and sisters: You are God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading for today is taken from Paul’s 1st Letter to the Corinthians in which he reminds us that we are temples of the LORD for the Spirit of the LORD dwells within us. Our foundation is Jesus Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Have I opened myself to the LORD and allowed the LORD space in my mind, my heart, my life? Or have I pushed the LORD and replaced the LORD with other things?

Praying:

LORD, You created us from nothing but your love. We are created in your image and likeness, and yet we turn away. You redeemed us from our sins and conquered death for our eternal life and union with You, and You promised the Spirit as our advocate, our sanctifier. We come to You seeking to grow into the ones whom You created us to be and the disciples You call us to be. We come to You, humbly acknowledging your desire to dwell within us, to be at the very core of our being. Help us open ourselves fully and hospitably to You and your transformative love. 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.