Scriptures and Reflection Questions for February 28

For a way to Pray with these scriptures, go to the following link for instructions about how to use Lectio Divina with the Sunday readings:
Praying the Scriptures with Lectio

The Scriptures

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35

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Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the word of the LORD came to him, "This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir." He brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Then he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess." But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?" He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates."

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What did it mean that Abram, at an advanced age, believed God?
God and Abram enact an ancient ceremony of covenant. What does it mean that God is willing to enter into a covenant with Abram?

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Psalm 27

God is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *

God is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?

When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *

it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.

Though an army should encamp against me, *

yet my heart shall not be afraid;

And though war should rise up against me, *

yet will I put my trust in God.

One thing have I asked of you, O God;
one thing I seek: *

that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life,

To behold your fair beauty, O God, *

and to seek you in your temple.

For in the day of trouble you shall keep me safe in your shelter; *

you shall hide me in the secrecy of your dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.

Even now you lift up my head *

above my enemies round about me.

Therefore I will offer in your dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness; *

I will sing and make music to you.

Hearken to my voice, O Most High, when I call; *

have mercy on me and answer me.

You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." *

Your face, O God, will I seek.

Hide not your face from me, *

nor turn away your servant in displeasure.

You have been my helper;
cast me not away; *

do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Though my father and my mother forsake me, *

you will sustain me.

Show me your way, O God, *

lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.

Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, *

for false witnesses have risen up against me,
and also those who speak malice.

What if I had not believed
that I should see the goodness of my God *

in the land of the living!

O tarry and await God's pleasure;
be strong, and let your heart take comfort; *

wait patiently for God.

St. Helena Psalter

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In what context might you imagine the Psalmist praying this Psalm?
How do you seek the face of God?

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Philippians 3:17-4:1

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

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How would you characterize some of the differences between those who live as citizens of heaven and those who don't?
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Luke 12:31-35

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

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What does Jesus' response to Herod mean to you?
How is it significant that Jesus is casting out demons and performing cures?