Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 11,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27

Though I preach the gospel, I have no glory for it. For necessity obligated me. Woe to me if I fail to preach it.

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, a stewardship of the gospel is entrusted to me. What is my reward then? Truly that when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

For though I am free in regard to all, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain as many as possible. I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might partake of it with you.

Don’t you know that all those who run a race run, but only one receives the prize. So, run so as to win. Every man who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. I therefore do not run not aimlessly. I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. Instead, I drive my body and train it,  lest that after I have preached to others, I myself should be a disqualified.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I work to bring Christ to others and others to Christ by sharing the gospel in word and action? Do I realize that my actions may speak louder than my words?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s first reading, Paul teaches the Corinthians as well as us of the necessity for both proclaiming the Gospel and of self-discipline for discipleship. In regard to self-discipline, it opens us more fully to the LORD’s grace and to cooperating with the Spirit.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Savior, You have called me to yourself and entrusted me with sharing your Good News. Send your Spirit to help reinforce my desire to share all You taught and all You lived and all You gave including your life for mine. Stir me to courage and focus my efforts as your disciple. Help me to live as You call me to live and to serve as You me to serve. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more