Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 8, 2024

Date: 2nd Sunday of Advent

Scripture Text: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

Brothers and sisters:

I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading for today from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians reminds us as readers that our conversions to Christ are ongoing and that we must continue to grow and to turn to Christ throughout our journey. With that continued conversion, we grow in our ability “to discern what is of value.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I continue to turn to Christ daily, to continue my “conversion” to Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we prepare to celebrate the gift of your only-begotten Son to the world as our brother, our teacher, our healer, and our redeemer, we work to also prepare our very selves for His indwelling. Send your Spirit to help us in our discernment of what is of value, true value, so that we might make room in our minds, our hearts, our lives and our souls for your beloved Son. 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.