Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 1, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Philippians 2:1-11

Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading for today is drawn from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians and concerns the way we are called to act as Christians in imitation of Him who called us as disciples and modeled for us “The way and the truth and the life.” Paul reminds us that it begins with unity, unselfish compassion and mercy for the other, looking always for the good of others rather than solely personal interest.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I strive for unity in Christ with others? Or can I be divisive? Am I capable of acting unselfishly, seeking the need of others above personal gain? Do I hold Christ high – exalted? Do I confess to others my faith and hope in Christ Jesus based on my love for Him?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You created us as sisters and brothers. Unity with one another and with You is your desire, your will. You sent your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us as one of us, to reveal your unfathomable love for us, and to teach us through word and action how to love as You will. Send your Spirit to fill our hearts with your transformative love so that we might seek unity with our sisters and brothers. Grant that we may let the Spirit guide us on our journey in the footsteps of Christ to life in abundance with You. Make of us a compassionate and merciful lot, seeking the good of one another than personal gain alone. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.