A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 21:1-21

How do we view the blessings of God in our life? Sarah viewed the birth of Isaac through worldly eyes instead of spiritual eyes. As a result, she had feelings of embarrassment and jealousy overcome her. Rather than seeing the birth of Isaac as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Sarah felt embarrassed about having given birth at such an old age. She also felt threatened at the sight of Hagar’s son playing with her son. Sarah was so concerned about Ishmael getting a portion of Isaac’s inheritance, that she asked Abraham to cast Hagar and her son out of their house. Consequently, instead of the birth of Isaac bringing joy and peace to the home, the Bible reveals that Abraham became very distressed on account of his son. What blessing has God sent into our life (family, children, parents, etc.) that we have complained about and selfishly hoarded for ourselves forgetting that it was God who gave us that blessing in the first place? Fortunately, God was not only aware of how Sarah’s behavior caused hardship to Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael but God was also ready and willing to provide a remedy.


God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring." Have there been times when we have become distressed by what those closest to us have asked us to do? Did we end up doing what they asked of us or did we refuse to do what they asked? How did that situation turn out? Reflecting back, would we have chosen to handle that situation differently?


God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him." What is troubling us today? What are we most afraid about? Do we believe that God hears the prayers of those who suffer? How has God lifted us up when we were afraid or in trouble? How did God transform a horrible situation into a great platform for witnessing the faithfulness of God?


Hebrews 11:13-22

Even if we have faith that God will fulfill his promises, this does not mean that we will experience the fulfillment of those promises in our lifetime. Many great leaders who have worked for justice and equality throughout history, have died in faith without having seen the fulfillment of those promises in their lifetime. From a distance, these leaders saw and greeted a vision of what life would look like if God’s promises were fulfilled. This vision of a better future was enough for them to dedicate their life to working for justice and equality. By faith we offer up to God what little we have (see Abraham). By faith we invoke blessings on others (see Isaac, Jacob). By faith we prepare the way for the next generation of leaders (see Moses). To what work are we being called to in faith? Will we commit time and talent to that work even if we do not experience the fulfillment of those promises in our lifetime?


John 6:41-51

Jesus is the son of Joseph but he is also the bread of life. Who are we in the eyes of the world? Who are we in the eyes of God? What worldly particularities have defined your life? In a few words, how would others describe you? What divine mysteries transform your life? How might God be opening up new opportunities and avenues for ministry in your life? In what ways are the sacrifices you make today causing those around you to be blessed?


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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