Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 26, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The short gospel text for today recounts Herod’s confusion and curiosity concerning Jesus of Nazareth. Who was this Jesus?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Who Is Jesus? “Who do you say I am?”

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your love for us, your children of earth, is boundless. Your desire for us to become all that You created us to be is thwarted by our own selfish desires and willfulness. You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us, to lead us as our brother, to reveal your great love for us, to teach and to heal, and to selflessly sacrifice himself upon the cross of Calvary to atone for our sins. Jesus Christ is your beloved Son, Son of God. He calls us to follow Him as his disciples, to love You with all our being and to love one another well. He is “the Way and the Truth and the Life.” Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds, to tenderize our hearts, to transform our souls so that we might grow into the daughters and sons your created us to be, the sisters and brothers He died to save, the temples of the Spirit here on earth. 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.