A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 42:29-38

“All this has happened to me!” Have you uttered these words in a moment of desperation? A moment when the trials of life added up so much that you were pushed beyond the breaking point? This is how Jacob felt when Reuben requested Jacob’s permission to take Benjamin to Egypt. Jacob had already lost Joseph and Simeon, and now he was about to lose Benjamin. Sorrow fills our hearts when we experience loss after loss. How do we keep hope alive and move forward in faith when all the storms of life appear to converging at once? It is almost impossible. In such times, we must continue to trust those closest to us and lean on the wisdom of God to guide us when nothing else makes sense. List two or three people whose advice you would trust in a moment of desperation. Why do you trust them? In what ways are we gleaning the wisdom of God so that we might discern the light of Christ even in the midst of dark times?


1 Corinthians 6:12-30

We are free to do all things but not all things are healthy for us to do. The phrase “my choice” is confusing if we really think about it. My choice is never really “my choice” because my choice is not made in vacuum - devoid of any influence from those around me or from the events that unfold in my specific context. My choice is always shaped and formed by my experiences and by those whom I engage with. What we should and should not do depends on how we define the purpose of the human body. Is our body meant to satisfy our temporal desires or to eternally glorify God? The overriding truth is that our bodies are members of Christ. “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) This is fair question to ask when we attempt to discern what we should do. What we do with our body speaks volumes about the spirit that motiviates and leads us in life. We must realize that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. We are not our own for we were bought with a price - the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us choose to do with our body only what glorifies God. 


Mark 4:21-34

Why do we light a candle? Does it makes sense to light a candle only to hide its light or do we place the candle on a stand so that all might benefit from its light? Our life is like a candle that must positively impact those around us. Our life itself is a light that must help those who are in darkness, but this can only happen when we share our light. Are we proud of sharing our thoughts, words and deeds with those around us or do we feel ashamed to let the world know what we think, say and do behind closed doors? We must pay close attention to how we live our lives because it will either bring light or darkness into the world. If we intentionally share our light, then those around us will be encouraged to share their light also. If we hide our light, we wander aimlessly in darkness and others will also stumble in the dark. Christ is the true light of God that leads us down the path of righteousness. If we receive the light of Christ into our hearts, then we can share that light with the world. As each individual shines their light, the overall darkness of the world will decrease and the light will increase. One step at a time, one candle at a time, one light at a time - we will heal the world. The small seeds of faith that we have in Christ today will move huge mountains tomorrow. Trust the light of Christ inside of you and share your light with the world.


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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