A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Proverbs 8:1-21

Wisdom calls and understanding raises her voice. At the height of war, at the crossroads of hate and love, she takes her stand and cries. She cries all to all who live and beckons us to be prudent, to acquire intelligence, and to utter truth. The evil of war is an abomination. At this crucial time in history, our thoughts, words and deeds must be righteous with nothing twisted or crooked in them. We must walk the straight and narrow and choose to do what is right before God. The instruction of the Lord is to be desired much more than silver and gold for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that we might desire cannot compare with her. If we fear the Lord, then we must hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech are the cause of unnecessary and unprovoked bloodshed. Now is the time for good advice and sound wisdom; now is the time for insight and strength. Let us pray that our world leaders reign with wisdom; our rulers decree what is just; and that those in authority over us govern rightly. God loves us unconditionally but we must diligently seek the Lord so that we might discern God’s perfect plan for the world. Let there be no doubt - the spoils of war do not compare to the riches and honor that God grants to the faithful. The wealth of heaven endure and prosper forever. Therefore, let us choose to walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, giving our support to those who love God and who love God’s children.


Philemon 1-25

Even in the prison of war we must speak words of grace to one another and pray for each other daily. We give thanks for each other as we abound in the love we have as one body in Christ Jesus our Lord. May the sharing of our faith help us perceive all the good that we may do when we work together for Christ. Let us gift one another joy and encouragement through our love for each other. Such love refreshes our heart, renews our mind, and transforms our soul. We must be bold enough in Christ to command each other to do our duty in love. Let us adopt one another in love just as Paul adopted Onesimus even while Paul was in prison. Those who the world considers useless are useful to God and to the building up of the Kingdom of God. Our heart must be filled with love for our neighbor. We must be willing to give to our neighbor whatever has been taken from them. Such good deeds must be done voluntarily and not forced. We should never consider anyone as our slave but rather as our beloved brother or sister. We are partners together in establishing a world where everyone feel welcomed. If we have wronged anyone in any way, then we must see to it that we make amends. May we join our hearts together in Christ, and obey God in quiet but strong confidence. As we pray for each other, the grace of God will fill our lives and guide us forward on life’s journey.


John 12:9-19

The sad reality is that the world often looks to destroy those who do good and seeks to condemn those who are offered second chances in life. In this passage, not only does Jesus have a target on his back but the leaders are intent on putting Lazarus to death as well. Throughout history, evil leaders have killed innocent people in an attempt to hold onto power and authority. God’s people cry out for justice and equality but the world muffles their voice and tries to silence them. Yet, God hears their cry and will deliver them. Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed are those who come in the name of the Lord to deliver God’s children.


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+

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