Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 21, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Romans 4:13, 16-18

Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today is drawn from Paul’s Letter to the Romans in which Paul reminds the reader that it is faith that saves us. Paul uses the example of Abraham with whom the LORD made the binding covenant. Abraham believed in the promise of the LORD even though many would have questioned how one his age who was childless could ever become the father of nations. Abraham’s righteousness flowed from his relationship with the LORD, a relationship of faith, of hope, and of love. Abraham acknowledged and adhered to “the law”, but his adherence was a fruit of his faith, his hope and his love. One who has no faith, no hope, and no love for the LORD but adheres to the law will find no reward because his actions are empty.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Are my faith and hope because of my relationship with the LORD or simply because of the expectations of others? Is love of the LORD my primary and essential motivation for the way I live and the decisions I make?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we seek to come to know You more clearly, to serve You more selflessly, and to love You more deeply day by day. We see You in the laws and seek to follow them out of love for You rather than just to get by in this world. Our love of You is our motivation; we seek always and everywhere to grow in our relationship with You and through that to grow in our relationship with our sisters and brothers. Grant that our love for You may be increased and strengthened, that our resolve to live as your daughters and sons and your disciples may be fortified, and that we may act always and everywhere because of 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.