A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings


Genesis 27:1-29

Switcheroo. Isaac intends to bless Esau but ends up blessing Jacob. The fact that Rebekah not only plays a role in this deceptive scheme but probably is the mastermind behind it makes us wonder about the impact parents can have on their children. How has your life been influenced by the experiences of  your childhood? What childhood experiences do you appreciate or reject and why? Where is God in all that you have experienced? How can blessings flow out of past difficult experiences?


Romans 12:1-8

We must present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. This means that our thoughts, words and deeds must be holy and enriching the lives of those around us. This is our spiritual worship. Therefore, do not be conformed to the ways of the world, but instead transform the world for the better. In everything, discern the will of God, and choose to do only what is good and acceptable and perfect. Let us practice humility so that we will never think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Instead, let us think with sober judgment and truly love our neighbor. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. We must share our gifts, and invite others to do the same.


John 8:12-20

What difficulty are we currently going through? Does the road ahead seem dark and dreary? What gives us hope? Are we able to see the light at the end of the tunnel? When the darkness of evil surrounds us, we must remember that Jesus is the light of the world. If we follow Christ, then we will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. We must not let the darkness of the world rob us of the light of Christ that is within us. We must know who we are in Christ, and never doubt that we are made in the image of God and that we are precious in God’s sight. There will be many who judge us by worldly standards but we must judge no one. If we do feel compelled to judge, then our judgment must reflect the heart of God which is full of grace, mercy, and love. When the world betrays us and wounds us, may the words of Christ on the cross be a light that guides us in responding to our enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+





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