A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 45:1-15

Most of us have experienced, at least once in our life, a situation where we were so flooded with emotions that we could not control ourselves and just broke down and cried. When this situation arose, were we alone or were we surrounded by others? If we were around people, then what was their reaction to our emotional outpouring? In this passage, Joseph is so overwhelmed in seeing his brothers that he could not control himself; he broke down and cried. Yet, it was not just Joseph and his brothers that were in the room, there were non-family members also. While Joseph was filled with joy and gladness in reuniting with his brothers, we are told that Joseph’s brothers were in shock and speechless. They could not believe that it was truly Joseph. We can only imagine how scared, ashamed, and even angry Joseph’s brothers may have been in this moment. They clearly remembered how poorly they had treated Joseph, and they would have not have blamed Joseph if he had thrown them all into prison or even had them killed. Yet, Joseph did not repay his brothers evil for evil. Instead, Joseph invited his brothers into a reconciled relationship with him and helped them grow deeper in their faith. It is vital we recognize that the process of reconciliation began with his brothers having a true spirit of repentance.  Joseph did not deny the hurt that his brothers caused him; he clearly acknowledged that they had sold him as a slave into Egypt. Do we acknowledge the pain and trouble that others inflict on us? How do we hold them accountable for their actions while at the same time forgiving them and showing them unconditional love? This healthy balance can only be achieved when we see our suffering through the eyes of God. Joseph explained to his brothers that although they had sold him as a slave into Egypt, ultimately, it was God who was directing his path and had prepared him to guide the people during the time of famine: “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” In the light of God’s grace, a reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers unfolded - Joseph kissed all his brothers and wept upon them and after that his brothers talked with him. What an amazing testimony to the power of God’s grace to redeem relationships and restore peace and joy in community.


1 Corinthians 7:32-40

God desires that we be free from anxieties. Take a moment and list a few things that you are anxious about. Who are you trying to please by worrying about those things? How do your anxieties and fears imprison you and keep you from experiencing life in abundance? In Christ, we are free to pursue what is truly good for us and to seek joy and peace in our life. Do not live your life to gain the approval of others. Trust that the Spirit of God has been given to you to guide you in facing your anxieties and fears so that you can experience God’s blessings in abundance.


Mark 6:1-13

What labels have people placed on you that you have come to accept as being true? Do you believe that God sees you the way others do? In what ways have we limited ourselves or demeaned ourselves because we let the noise of the world define who we are? Jesus had great dreams about what he felt called to do for others, and he had an amazing vision for the world. Unfortunately, there were people in positions of authority who felt Jesus was out of his mind and they made it a point to remind Jesus that he was not worthy to pursue his dreams and chase his vision. We are told in scripture, that on the Sabbath, Jesus began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" The authorities took offense at him. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief and knew he had doubters and haters in the crowd. Even still, Jesus went about among the villages teaching; he called disciples into ministry; he sent them out with authority from God; and he even challenged his disciples to move forward in faith trusting that God would provide for their needs. How confident are we in casting aside the labels that the world has placed upon us and moving beyond the limitations that those in power seek to place upon us? How might Jesus’ courage in following his dreams and chasing his vision inspire us to become who God desires us to be? What personal needs do we have that we must entrust to God’s care?


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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