A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 37:1-11

Can a parent love one of their children more than they love their other children? Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than any other of his children. Is it healthy or unhealthy to favor one child over the others? To symbolize Jacob’s love for Joseph, Jacob made Joseph a long robe with sleeves. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. As if this special robe was not enough to cause friction between Joseph and his brothers, Joseph was tasked by his father to give a report of how his brothers were spending their time out in the field. Joseph made an honest evaluation of how his brothers were spending their time out in the field and the report was not a favorable one - it cast Joseph’s brothers in a bad light. Joseph must have known that his brothers would be upset with him tattling on them. While I can see how Joseph’s brothers were filled with hate for Joseph, we know that hate is never a viable path forward. Complicating the situation, Joseph had two dreams in which Joseph’s entire family bowed to the ground before Joseph. When Joseph shared these dreams with this brothers, this made Joseph’s brothers hate him even more. Was Jacob’s love for Joseph wrong? Was Joseph’s brother’s hatred for Joseph wrong? What would a healthy family dynamic look like? How might Joseph represent Jesus beloved of his Father sent to address our unfaithfulness as laborers in God’s field? Are we jealous or angry that at the name of Jesus (and not our name) every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is savior?


1 Corinthians 1:1-19

Which denomination is the best? What expression of the Christian faith community is closest to what Christ intended for the church to be? Our personal beliefs and stands on these issues can lead to in-fighting among Christian brothers and sisters. However, we who are sanctified in Christ Jesus should never be divided. There are many denominations and several non-denominational groups but these expressions of Christ’s church must never be at war with each other. When Paul was confronted with such diversity in the Christian faith community, he stressed the need for unity in Christ. Whether the people felt like they belonged to Paul or Apollos or Cephas, the greater truth is that they belonged to Christ. It is Christ who was crucified for our sins. Into Christ death and resurrection we are baptized. We all proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who exalt their cultural religious framework over the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church will perish due to their foolishness. Those who humble themselves before Christ will be saved by the power of God in Chirst through the Holy Spirit. Surely, God will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and thwart the discernment of the discerning. Therefore, let us not lean upon our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Christ and he will direct our steps.


Mark 1:1-13

Do we long for the limelight? Do we desire power and authority so that we might control others? Some people live their whole life chasing such vain glory, and missing out on the gift of being able to prepare the way for others. John the Baptist showed us what a blessing it could be to prepare the way for others to shine and lead. John was sent as a messenger ahead of Jesus; his responsibility was to prepare the way for Jesus and be the voice of hope for those who were lost in the wilderness of sin. John felt joy and pride in paving the way for Jesus to minister to the people. Because of John’s humility, he was blessed to baptize Jesus. John witnessed the heavens as they were torn apart and the Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus. John had the privilege of hearing the voice from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." This was such a surreal and mind blowing experience. John’s warm welcome of Jesus and loving embrace of Jesus’ ministry to God’s people gave Jesus stregnth to do what he needed to do. John prepared Jesus for his forty days of fasting in the wilderness and set Jesus on the right path to becoming the Savior of the world. When you look at it this way, playing second fiddle to Chirst is not something to hang our head low about. Rather, it is a great opportunity and blessing. Let us declare with joy - “I am second.”


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+

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