Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 24, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:6-9

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today is from Second Isaiah, the prophetic writings from the period of the Babylonian exile. The children of Israel are reminded to “seek the LORD” and “turn to the LORD.” While they are in exile and captives of the Babylonians, the LORD reminds the people of Israel of the unfathomable divine mercy. The LORD seeks us and calls to us to turn.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How serious am I, truly, in seeking the LORD, in turning to the LORD? Do I insist too often on going my way rather than seeking the LORD and the LORD’s will for me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, throughout all ages, You have called to us in the silence of our hearts. Your love for us is hard for us to understand because we are a rebellious lot. And yet You call to us, You invite us to seek You and to turn to You. Indeed, LORD, your ways are not our ways. Send your Spirit to infuse in us a hunger for You and your love that will not be satisfied with anything but You. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.