A REFLECTION ON THE DAILY OFFICE READINGS

Exodus 15:1-21

This passage contains two songs: 1) The Song of Moses (aka The Song of the Sea), and 2) The Song of Miriam. Both songs were reputedly sung by the Israelites after their crossing the Red Sea in safety, and celebrate the destruction of the Egyptian army during the crossing, and look forward to the future conquest of Canaan.

Click here: Song of Moses Click here: Song of Miriam

1 Pet. 1:13-25

This passage is a call to holy living. In it, we are exhorted to prepare our minds, observe discipline, hope in the grace of Christ, and commit to obedience. We are to pursue a holy life because Christ himself has modeled this for us. Christ has bought our salvation by his precious blood for he is the true paschal lamb - a lamb without defect or blemish. We trust in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory. Our faith and hope is in Christ whose love has purified our souls. Therefore, let us love one another deeply from the heart and cast away hate. We have a fresh start on life because of the living and enduring word of God. Blessed are those who are mindful that all flesh is like grass that withers but that our spirit endures forever. May the light of Christ guide our spirit.

John 14:18-31

Have you ever felt invisible or alone even in the midst of large crowd of people? Many of us experience loneliness and feel abandoned or forsaken by the world. Fortunately, this passage reminds us that God will never leave us nor forsake us - he will not leave us orphaned. God has given us the promise of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Son (Jesus) abides in the Father so we share fellowship with God that is inseparable. When we obey God’s commandments, we naturally abide in God’s love. It is only when we let fear and hate overcome us that we truly experience loneliness and feel forsaken. The Holy Spirit has been given to us so that we might be taught and reminded of God’s love at all times and in all places. The glorious truth is that God’s love for us never fails. Therefore, let us be at peace for we know that nothing in this world can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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