Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 31, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. John Bosco

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:32-39

Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a great contest of suffering. At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction; at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated. You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.

For, after just a brief moment,

he who is to come shall come;

he shall not delay.

But my just one shall live by faith,

and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.

We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today from Hebrews reminds us that our journey will include suffering and hardships, but our faith in Christ, our hope in His promise, and our love for our LORD and one another anchor us. We will not “draw back” from Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I have the stamina of a disciple, willing to suffer for love of Christ who gave His life so that I might have life?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we give You thanks for the gift of your beloved Son to humanity for our life, for our redemption. As we seek to follow in His footsteps in our journey home to life in abundance with You, we beg You to send the Spirit to strengthen our resolve because we know the journey will include hardships and suffering. Grant that we may remain in Christ and that He remain in us as He promised. How can we endure without Him and without your love. 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.