A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 45:16-28

What is on your bucket list? Are there more wants or needs? If you had one wish before you died, what would that wish be? In this passage, Jacob, in his old age, comes to know that his son Joseph is still alive. Jacob’s joy knew no bounds, and he remarked - “I must go and see him before I die.” When Jacob was told that Joseph had died, a part of him died; but upon hearing that Joseph was alive, Jacob experienced a spiritual renewal. There are so many things that we want in life. When all is going well, our bucket list might look a little different than when we are devastated by life’s storms. When we take our safety, freedom and blessings for granted, a sense of entitlement begins to unconsciously set in. As a result, our bucket list might reflect more of what we want than what we actually need. In moments of trial and tribulations, however, our bucket list quickly changes from what we want to what we need. In the face of death, our life’s purpose becomes more refined. Do we remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return? Are we mindful that we are sinners and that the wages of sin is death? How might these truths shape our bucket list and our purpose in life? Jacob loved all his children, and there was nothing more he wanted than to see his family reconciled. Joseph knew his father’s heart, and this awareness might explain why Joseph exhorted his brothers to behave themselves as they left Egypt and went back to the land of Canaan to inform their father that Joseph was still alive - "Do not quarrel along the way." What dysfunction has crept into our relationships with family, friends or foes that we permit to fester because we or others are not willing to reconcile? If today was our last day alive, then would we choose to live differently? How so? How might a life consumed by what we want be transformed into a life driven by what we truly need?

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

There is an old saying - “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” This means that a person who shares their views with others and does not have enough knowledge of a particular subject can do more harm than good. If we engage in conversation with someone but do not have genuine love for them, then we are less likely to hear and accept what they have to say to us. The Bible teaches us that knowledge puffs up but love builds up. To truly know someone we must begin with knowing that they deserve to be loved unconditionally. What political view points and world views have become idols for us? How might our personal knowledge of these things stand in the way of us loving our neighbor or our enemy? When Paul addressed the hot button topic of whether or not we should eat food offered to idols, he said - "food will not bring us close to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” Paul’s ultimate concern was not about personal knowledge of a political view point or world view but about personal knowledge that everyone deserves to be loved. When we begin with love, all other knowledge falls into the proper place. In what ways has our personal knowledge inflicted pain on our brother or sister in Christ? How have our personal stands on hot button topics wounded our neighbor? Jesus made it very clear to us - “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Are we willing to let love guide us to a deeper knowledge of ourselves and others?

Mark 6:13-29

What worldly reasons have we given to excuse the hurt and pain that we have caused others? In this passage, we see the dangers of chasing after vain glory. The beheading of John the Baptist was the result of idolatry. Herod had married his brother Philip’s wife Herodias. John the Baptist had pointed out to Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother’s wife. Because of this, Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. Initially, Herod feared John, protected him, and considered him to be a righteous and holy man. However, in a moment of weakness, after Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod and his guests at a party, Herod promised to give her anything she wanted because he was pleased by her dancing. Simply put, Herodias’ daughter became an idol for Herod. Tragically, Herodias instructed her daughter to request the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. Herod knew in his heart that John was innocent, and he was deeply grieved at the thought of killing him; yet, because of his personal promise to Herodias’ daughter and the fact that he did not want to be perceived as a coward - he agreed to have John killed. How have our selfish desires caused us to hurt others? How might a change of heart help us take concrete steps that honor the dignity and worth of every child of God?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+