Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 22, 2023

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

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12

Beloved: Teach and urge these things. Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s text is from Paul’s 1st Letter to Timothy. Paul reminds us that it is Christ and His teachings we are called to learn and to live. He also rebukes those who within the “religious sphere” engage in rivalry, friction, and divisive behavior. Religion should strive for the unity Christ came to herald in. We will be judged not by our religiosity, wealth, or prestige but rather by the authenticity of our faith, our hope, and our love for the LORD and one another.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Where are my true priorities? What would one just meeting me say were my priorities from my words and actions? How hard do I try to avoid divisiveness? How hard do I work to bring loving kindness, faith, hope and love to the moment, to others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son to dwell among us, to reveal your love for us and your desire that we be righteous daughters and sons, full of love for You and loving toward our sisters and brothers. Send your Spirit to guide us as we journey, to strengthen our faith, to further buoy our hope, to magnify our love so that we might live it always and everywhere. Make of us, your diverse daughters and sons, united disciples of your beloved Son, lights to the world, in your name and to your glory. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.