A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Genesis 37:12-24

Jacob sent Joseph to evaluate how his brothers were spending their time in fields. When Joseph’s brothers saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams." It was only Joseph’s oldest brother Reuben who had the heart to rescue Joseph out of their hand and restore him to his father. Eventually, when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. What unexpected tribulation has befallen us; what pit have we fallen into for no fault of our own? Have you ever been hurt by a member of your family or a friend whom you held dear? How do you think Joseph might have felt when he was betrayed? Is it foolish to trust family and friends knowing that even those who are closest to us might betray us? What might Joseph’s predicament teach us about trust/mistrust in relationships?


1 Corinthians 1:20-31

Why do we believe what we believe? What scientific proof that has led us our current framework of beliefs? What faith (assumptions not based on scientific proof) has shaped our present belief system? Why do we proclaim Christ crucified - is it based more on scientific proof or more on faith? How can science be a stumbling block for us? How can faith without works become foolishness? In what ways does Christ bring together faith and science? Is God foolish? If so, how does God's foolishness compare to human wisdom? Is God weak? If so, how does God's weakness compare to human strength. So that no one might boast in themselves (their science or their personal understanding of faith), God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. Whether we view God through the lens of science or through the lens of faith, the Bible states that God is the ground of our being and the very source of our life in Christ. Science and faith guide us towards true wisdom and strength only when they are rooted in Christ.


Mark 1:14-28

Even after John was arrested, Jesus continued to reiterate the good news that John had proclaimed: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." Into this good news, Jesus invited Simon, Andrew, James, and John to surrender their temporal life work for an eternal life mission - "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." All Simon and Andrew needed was an open and honest invitation to lead a purpose driven life. How are we currently spending our time, talents and treasure? What is the purpose behind it all? What evil spirits have kept us from living into our true purpose? Are we ready to have Jesus rebuke and silence the naysayers that have limited our impact on the world? God is invites us to surrender our temporal desires that serve just us with eternal purposes that transform God’s people. Jesus is calling us; are we ready to respond to his call?


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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