A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 41:46-57

A day has 24 hours - not an hour more or an hour less. How we spend our time determines how we spend our life. If we waste our time, then we will waste our life. If we practice good stewardship of our time, then we will live our life with purpose and in abundance. In this passage we see the result of faithful stewardship. In the seven plenteous years, when the earth produced abundantly, Joseph gathered up and stored food in such abundance that it was beyond measure. When the seven years of famine came, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold food not only to the Egyptians but to people from all over the world who were experiencing famine. Living life in abundance is not about the lack of hardship or struggle in our life. Rather, it is about faithfulness and stewardship in good times so that when we go through bad times we can pull from our reserves.


1 Corinthians 4:8-20[21]

Our purpose in life comes not from what we do for ourselves but what we do for others. The Apostle Paul became a fool for the sake of Christ so that those around him might appear wise. He became weak so that others might become strong. While others were held in honor, he was dishonored. Paul points out that, for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he became hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, beaten and homeless. When he was reviled, he blessed; when persecuted, he endured; when slandered, he spoke kindly. Paul testifies that he became like the rubbish of the world so that the righteousness of God could be revealed. Paul did all these things because Christ first modeled this for Paul. Jesus, though he was rich, became poor for our sake. This does not mean that we should glorify suffering in and of itself. However, in the Christian life we do embrace suffering for a greater purpose. We do not suffer in order to make others ashamed, but to admonish one another in love. In love, we imitate Christ, we imitate Paul, and we imitate the Saints because they have modeled for us what a purpose driven life is all about. There are too many people that talk a big talk but do not walk out their faith. We must not only talk about the Gospel, but we must also walk with God in a spirit of self-denial and carry our cross believing that there is a purpose in our suffering.


Mark 3:7-19a

It is remarkable that multitudes followed Christ wherever he went. Even more amazing is the fact that unclean spirits saw him, fell down before him, and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" If unclean spirits are willing to proclaim the Lordship of Christ, then how much more should we who are the children of God? Just as Jesus called and appointed Apostles to carry on the work of the church, Jesus calls and appoints us today to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. In what specific ways are we communicating the gospel of Christ to others?


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+

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