Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 8, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Philippians 4:6-9

Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading for today is taken from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Today it stands between two readings about the LORD’s vineyard, an analogy for us, for we recall Jesus’ teaching of the vine and the branches and that the Father is the vineyard owner.

Whereas in the first reading from Isaiah and the gospel reading from Matthew both address humanity’s lack of loving cooperation with the LORD’s will and plan for us, the second reading addresses the opposite, what is possible when we seek to live as we were created to live, with faith, hope, and love. When we turn to the LORD, rely upon the LORD, and cooperate with the LORD’s love and grace, much is possible.

Paul also reminds us that we are called as followers of Christ to seek truth and goodness and to live fueled by the LORD’s transformative love. The LORD’s peace, the wholeness of our self which is the doorway to holiness, will be our reward.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I anxious? Do I take my needs to the LORD in faith and hope? Do I thank the LORD for the gifts I have already received? Do I seek to live as the LORD commands, guided by love?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come before You this day seeking to offer our praises of You for all that You are without whom nothing would be. We lift our voices in thanksgiving for your gifts of love and grace throughout the ages. We call upon You for help in living into the ones we are created to be, the disciples we are called to be, those led by the Spirit on our journey in life. Grant that we may be lights to others through our words and deeds, pointing to You, the source of all goodness and 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.