Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 20, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Wednesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion to Christ, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today is from Paul’s 1st Letter to Timothy in Ephesus. Today’s text focuses on the behavior of Christians, the “Church of the living God” who are devoted to Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary. Though He died on the cross, He was vindicated by the Spirit in His resurrection, and the Good News has spread throughout the known world through his believers, his disciples.

How does this pertain to us today?

The issue of how we should behave as Christians is timeless. We who believe in Christ do so with faith and conviction to live as Christ calls us to live.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Is my life an invitation to others to consider Christ, to believe in Christ, to surrender to Christ? Has the Good News been spread through my words or actions?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to dwell among us, Son of God, Son of Mary, and to reveal You to us through His words, through His miracles, through His loving and selfless actions. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve as members of the Church of the living God, as your daughters and sons, as disciples of your beloved Son. May our lives as well as our words be invitations to come closer, to draw nearer to You, to love You more wholly, to be more holy. 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.