A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Habakkuk 3:1-10[11-15]16-18

We should stand in awe of the handiwork of God. Unfortunately, in many ways our actions or the actions of others have harmed and even destroyed the handiwork of God. Surely, we deserve God’s wrath but yet we plead for God’s mercy. The glory of the Lord covers the heavens, and the earth is full of his praise. The brightness of God is like the sun and rays come forth from his hand. Those who defy God’s commands will experience pestilence and plague. At the sound of God’s voice, the whole world stops, the foundations of the earth are shaken, the nations tremble, the mountains are shattered, and the hills sink low. In the time of battle, God’s wrath is poured out against the rivers and his rage encompasses the sea as he drives his horses and chariots to victory. The Lord of all creation, splits the earth with rivers, surrounds the mountains with strong and fast moving waters. At the presence of God, the sun raises high its hands and the moon stands still in its exalted place. God has come to save his people, to save those anointed in his name. God is ready to crush the head of the wicked and devour those who oppress the poor. Let us wait quietly but in confidence for the day of calamity to come upon the people who attack us. In our current crisis, we may see no sign that things will get better, we might be frustrated that our work is in vain, we might feel disappointed that our efforts appear to fail, that our good deeds see to go unnoticed; even still, we must rejoice in the Lord our God for he will surely bring about our salvation.


Philippians 3:12-21

Christ Jesus has made us his own. Therefore, whatever mistakes we have made in the past and whatever suffering we have gone through, we must forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. We must press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Then God will reveal his forgiveness and healing to us. Hold fast to God’s promises. Imitate Christ, observe and learn from those who walk closely with Jesus. No longer live as enemies of the cross of Christ; stop fighting the love that God wants to give you. In tears surrender everything to Christ. Those who seek worldly pleasures and vain glory will be destroyed. Their fleshly desires have become their gods; their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But we are not like them. Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our humiliating experiences into glorious testimonies of God’s saving power. Be confident that there is no evil that will befall you that is more powerful than God for God makes all powers subject to himself. He is Lord over all. To God belongs the victory and the joy of salvation.


John 17:1-8

This passage finds Jesus literally at a crossroad in his life. He is filled with passion and purpose. Jesus knows that he must face the cross if salvation is to be won for all of God’s people. We find Jesus looking up to heaven and acknowledging that the glory of God was calling Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. This hour, this moment, this time there would either be a breakdown or a breakthrough. Our purpose in life is to make God’s name known because in that name there is salvation. In our fear and anxiety we may break down and choose to reject our call to serve as God’s light in this dark world. We may feel as if it is not worth the sacrifice or the cost of our own life. However, through faith we can experience a breakthrough and choose to accept our call to lay down our life for the sake of the world. There is a huge cost to Christian discipleship. Jesus exemplified this cost when he died on the cross for our sins. Jesus did not allow the fear and anxiety of this world to break him down. Rather, in faith he submitted to God’s Will and broke through the gates of hell to attain eternal life for us and for all who believe in his name. What crossroad are you at right now? What decision are you having to make that will either lead you to a breakdown or a breakthrough? No matter how hard your life may be right now, trust God to see you through.


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+




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