Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 6, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24

Brothers and sisters:

You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled Blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today from Hebrews places before us that which Christ leads us to and invites us – life in the heavenly kingdom in the presence of our all loving LORD and the “spirits of the just made perfect” and our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I truly contemplate the magnificence of Christ’s gift to me? Do I understand that He is leading me to life?

Praying:

LORD, You are all-powerful and all-knowing. You know the challenges we face. You know the changes we need to make in our journeys. You know our fears as well as our strengths. Help us, LORD, as we cling to You and look to You in trust. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.