Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 16, 2025

Date: Thursday of the 28^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Romans 3:21-30

Brothers and sisters:

Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, through the forbearance of God–to prove his righteousness in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today comes from Paul’s Letter to the Romans and reminds us of the Father’s divine plan for the salvation of humanity through the redemption of His Son, Jesus Christ, who expiated our sins through His own life, shed upon the cross. He paid for our sins though He himself is sinless. We have no reason to boast; our redemption is a gift. But we have every reason to have faith in Jesus Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How deep is my faith in Jesus Christ, Son of God, my redeemer?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your desire for our salvation and for life in abundance with You amazes us because You gave your only-begotten Son to us as our brother and redeemer. For love of You and love of us, You asked Him to give His life so that we might live. Send your Spirit to stir within us so that our faith runs deep and our love increases daily for You and for our Savior, your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. 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.