A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
The gift of ‘manna’ or ‘bread from heaven’ is depicted in this passage. God had made arrangements for the Israelites to have their fill of bread in the morning and in the evening the ground of the camp was covered with quail. While the Israelites may have seen quail before, they did not know what manna was. We should note two things here: 1) God provides our needs, and 2) There are times when we clearly understand how God has provided for us (quail) and there are times when we have no clue what to do with God’s provision (manna). God had given the Israelites specific instructions with regards to the manna - “Do not leave any of it until morning.” Those who were greedy with what God had provided paid a price for their disobedience. Whatever portion of manna was left until morning bred worms and became foul. What blessings have we received from God? Are we using those blessings in ways that honor God or in ways that go against God’s will? How might our selfishness and disobedience result in our blessing becoming a curse?
Does our life reflect evil or honor? If we are not careful, then our thoughts, words and deeds will be controlled by the desires of our flesh and our soul will be destroyed. A life of honor sacrifices the flesh in order to save the soul. Unfortunately, there are leaders who are evil-minded and have no value for even their own soul. As Christians, there will be times when we will disagree with those in positions of leadership but we must still honor and accept their authority. Those who do not respect authority will be punished. Those who honor those in authority will be praised. Respecting and honoring those in authority does not mean turning a blind eye to evil. Evil is evil no matter how we talk about it. Evil can only be overcome with good. By living honorably we will silence the ignorance of evildoers. We must never use our freedom for evil. Instead, let us honor everyone and love the family of God. For it is a credit to us if, being aware of God, we endure pain while suffering unjustly. If we endure when we are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if we endure when we do right and suffer for it, we have God's approval. For to this we have been called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, so that we should follow in his steps. Christ's life reflected honor. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed. For we were going astray like sheep, but now we have returned to the shepherd and guardian of our souls. In what way does our life reflect evil? How do our thoughts, words and deeds honor and respect others?
Have you ever been hated without cause? Christ experienced undeserved hate. Yet, Christ knew that hate only gives birth to hate so he chose the way of love. Christ loved us and has commanded us to love one another. Love compels us to lay down our life for our neighbor. If the world hates us, then let us be aware that it hated Christ before it hated us. If the world persecutes us, then let us bear in mind that it persecuted Christ first. How might Christ’s love inspire us to face the hateful acts of others and choose the high road in life?
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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