A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 42:18-28

Are we paying the penalty for our sins? This was the question that Joseph’s brothers asked to themselves as they reflected on the cruelty they had inflicted upon him. They had seen Joseph’s anguish when he pleaded with them from the well but they had refused to listen to his cry. Whose anguish have we seen but blatantly ignored? Whose cries have we refused to hear? Joseph’s brothers wondered if the anguish that had come upon them was due to their past sinful behavior towards Joseph. The Bible teaches us that there will always be a reckoning - if not now in this world, then surely in the world to come. What heartache are we going through today that might be linked to poor choices we made in the past? What gives us hope is that we believe in a God of second chances. If we confess our sins, God, who is  faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God was already working on a reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. We are told that Joseph understood how remorseful his brothers were and that this touched Joseph’s heart so much that he turned away from them and wept. What broken friendships or damaged relationship is God trying to reconcile in our life? Are we willing to give others a second chance and create room for healing to take place? Why does God exhort us to love our enemies?


1 Corinthians 5:9-6:8

Healthy boundaries are essential to holy living. Christians must not associate themselves with immorality. We must control what we can control; we must choose for ourselves whether we want to live a life of sn or a life of holiness. We must not waste our time judging those who go outside the boundaries of righteousness for God will judge those who do the work of the devil. If we have a grievance against someone, then would we present our case before a corrupted court? Definitely not! We would only present our case before a court that stood for justice and equality. Similarly, we must not become dependent on gaining the approval of others for the healthy boundaries we set for ourselves as we strive to live a holy life. What boundaries, if any, have we constituted in our life? What is the purpose behind these boundaries? How much energy do we expend on those who do not respect these boundaries? 


Mark 4:1-20

In the parable of the sower, we are reminded that God the sower sows his word in our life. God’s word is pure and full of potential but how receptive are we to receiving God’s and allowing it to bear fruit in our life? What worldly distractions harden our heart towards God’s word or choke God’s word as it attempts to take hold in our life? 


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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