Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 31, 2023
- Dr. Kate Wiskus
- Oct 31, 2023
- 2 min read
Date in the Ordine: Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture Text:
Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches." Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened."
Breaking the text open – background and summary:
Both the first reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans and Jesus’ parables concerning the kingdom of God speak to the need for endurance. While the LORD our God set our salvation into motion, we have a role to play in the ongoing mission. We are called to persevere, to endure in hope, for the one who makes the promise is trustworthy.
Meditating on the text with personal questions:
Am I passively waiting for my deliverance or am I actively living the life of a disciple, filled with faith, buoyed by hope, fueled by love? Do I recognize the LORD at work around me? Do I seek ways to participate in the ongoing salvific mission of Christ?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, as your daughters and sons, we praise You for all that You are and give humble thanksgiving for all that You are making of us through your power and presence at work in our lives and our world. We give You thanks especially for the gift of your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, whom You sent to dwell among us and as our brother to redeem us from our sinfulness. Send the Spirit to stir within us so that we might have the courage and stamina to continue on, to persevere in our journeys filled with faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by love. Grant that we may be instruments in the growth of your Kingdom here on earth. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.
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