Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 19, 2024

Date: Memorial of St. John de Brébeuf and St. Isaac Jogues

Scripture Text:  EPHESIANS 1:15-23

Brothers and sisters:

Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, I do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the Church, which is his Body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is drawn from the Letter to the Ephesians. Paul begins by giving thanks for the faith of the people and offering a prayer for them that they will be given the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that they might come to know the Almighty Father even more through Christ. Then Paul lays out the salvific plan of the Father achieved through Jesus Christ. He ends by acknowledging Christ as the head of the Church “which is his Body”.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I open myself to the LORD’s desire for me? How am I responding to the Father’s call to me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your love for me, for all my earthly sisters and brothers, led You to send your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us. Through Him and his revelations, our eyes, our minds, our hearts, and our souls were opened more fully as He informed us of your great love and desire for our salvation and as He entreated us to conform ourselves to your loving will for us. And as He selflessly gave Himself upon the cross of Calvary to redeem us of our sins, our world and our very beings were transformed. Send your Spirit to help us in our journey of faith, to respond to your call to us. Grant that we may open ourselves to “the fullness” of your love. 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.