Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 26, 2024

Saturday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: EPHESIANS 4:7-16

Brothers and sisters:

Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it says:

He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.

What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today from the Letter to the Ephesians reminds us of Christ’s victory for us. Sent by the Father to dwell among us here on earth as our brother, He selflessly sacrificed himself upon the cross of Calvary and vanquished sin and death, the very entities that had held us captive. The letter goes on to remind us that Christ’s call to us is specific with specific gifts from the Spirit, yet these gifts are meant to be shared and brought together for the building up of the Body of Christ in love.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What are the gifts given to me to bring to the living Body of Christ? Am I offering them?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we lift our hearts to You this day in praise and in thanksgiving. We know of your great love that precipitated your gift of your only begotten Son for our salvation. Send the Spirit to illuminate our minds, to stir our hearts, so that we might more fully comprehend this gift and the gifts of the Spirit given to each of us to continue Christ’s ongoing salvific work, the building up of the Body in 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.