Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 17, 2024

Date: Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch

Scripture Text:  EPHESIANS 1:1-10

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In Christ we have redemption by his Blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is the opening text from the Letter to the Ephesians. Paul reminds us that the Almighty Father has a divine plan for our salvation, and it is being realized through Jesus Christ, the Son.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize the LORD’s divine plan for my salvation? Do I seek to cooperate with the LORD’s will for me? Do I see Christ as my redeemer?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your loving desire for us and for our salvation led You to send your only begotten Son to dwell among us, to take on our human form, and as our brother to reveal your great love for us and desire that we have life in abundance. Your Son, Jesus Christ, redeemed us through His own sacrifice and death upon the cross of Calvary. Dying He destroyed our death and rising He restored our life. Send your Spirit to stir within us your love which You have showered upon us always. Grant that we may cooperate with transformative love and turn to You in love and thanksgiving for the gift of our lives and your Son’s redemption. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.