Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 18, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and Apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today brings us an excerpt from Paul’s 1st Letter to Timothy. Paul asks for prayers for everyone, including kings and those in authority to guide them so that life for all might be “quiet and tranquil” marked by devotion and dignity of all. Paul is reminding us that the LORD desires that we be at peace, that we be whole.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is one LORD and that one, Jesus Christ, died for the salvation of all. And this same Jesus Christ called Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles “in faith and truth” calling all to holiness, to a life of prayer, without anger.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I pray for those who lead? In the Church, in the government, in our communities, even in my family? Do I pray for and seek peace rather than anger and arguments? Do I treat all with dignity?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son to dwell among us, to take our human form and model for us a life informed by Your Word, conformed to Your will, and transformed by Your love. You beloved Son selflessly sacrificed himself out of love for You and for us. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds and hearts and wills with that love of Christ, your beloved Son. Grant that we may be faithful daughters and sons, faithful disciples of Christ, this day and all days, as we journey to life in You, with You and through You. 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.