Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 8, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture Text: Romans 8:28-30

Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is from Paul’s letter to the Romans where he reminds the reader “that all things work for good for those who love God.” Paul further reminds the readers that they are created with a purpose and called to realize that purpose in life. Holding the image of the Son as the one to whom we are to be conformed, Paul reminds the readers that Christ’s followers, disciples, are “called,” “justified,” and “glorified” as Christ himself was in doing the will of the Father.

How does this pertain to us today?

We are called as our sisters and brothers of old to follow in Christ’s footsteps, to seek the Spirit’s help in conforming ourselves to Christ, so that as His disciples, we might be justified and glorified. Do we trust that “all things work for good for those who love God”?

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Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Have I prayerfully sought to discern my “purpose” in the LORD’s divine design? Do I pray always for the Spirit’s help in living into that purpose beginning with conforming myself to Christ so that I might live more wholly and grow more holy?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come before You this day begging from You the grace to discern our individual and collective purpose and to conform ourselves to Christ so that we might journey to You in faith, in hope, and in love. Knowing that as Christ’s disciples we will be tested, we also know of your promise, that You are with us always if we remain with You. Amen.