Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 27, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Romans 7:18-25a

Brothers and sisters: I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today sets before us a text from Paul’s Letter to the Romans in which he describes the war that goes on within us who want to do good but then do not follow through. Our minds may tells us to do this, but then in the moment we do that. Our heart and mind embrace the LORD’s law, but still we find ourselves acting in ways that clearly are in defiance of that loving law. Paul is underscoring the need for the faithful to understand that evil is a reality that fights against the desire to give ourselves to the LORD fully. But, Paul ends with the assurance that it is not hopeless, for our LORD is a loving LORD. Through Jesus Christ, salvation is possible, mercy reigns. And turning to Christ wholly, seeking Christ’s help rather than relying totally on ourselves, opens us to the grace necessary to overcome evil.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I turn to Christ daily as I seek to resume my journey in faith? Or do I try and do it on my own totally? Do I ask for the help of the Spirit in guiding me and strengthening me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us and to reveal your great love for us and desire for our salvation. Through his selfless sacrifice upon a cross, as our savior, he vanquished sin. Send your Spirit to help us on our journey in faith, buoyed by this hope, and fueled by love of You. Grant that we may be fortified to withstand the temptations in life to turn away from the way, to turn away from the loving response. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.