A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Exodus 5:1-6:1

“LET MY PEOPLE GO!” These are the famous words that Moses said to Pharaoh. The words that every victim of injustice and oppression longs to hear but the words that strike fear in the hearts of dictators, tyrants, and autocrats. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he replied - "Who is the Lord, that I should heed him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go." How do we respond to this profound question: “Who is God that those who abuse their power should give up their power, have pity on victims, and make wars cease?” Moses already had a heads up from God that Pharaoh would resist, but Moses did not expect Pharaoh to make the life of the Israelities any harder than it already was. However, that is exactly what happened. That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, as well as their supervisors, "You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as before; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But you shall require of them the same quantity of bricks as they have made previously; do not diminish it, for they are lazy; that is why they cry, 'Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.' Let heavier work be laid on them; then they will labor at it and pay no attention to deceptive words." Wow! What just happened? That did not go the way Moses envisioned. Have you ever identified a problem but refused to get involved for fear of making the situation worse? When Moses realized that the hardship of the Israelities increased, he accused God of mistreating the Israelites and rebuked God for doing nothing to deliver them. When we experience an increase in the trials of life, do we accuse God or rebuke God? How can we remain strong in faith when all signs point to defeat and despair? Let us take solace in knowing that God’s words never come back empty and that God’s promises are always fulfilled. Even in the midst of Moses’ frustration, God assured Moses that God’s mighty hand would liberate the Israelites.


1 Corinthians 14:20-33a,39-40

Why is it that we sometimes invite evil into our life? Whether it be drugs, pornography, or alcohol, many of us, at one time or another experimented with these things believing that by doing so we were cool and mature. However, the Bible makes it very clear that maturity is not about welcoming evil but refraining from it. Everything we do should be with the purpose of building us up, establishing peace, and bringing order to our lives.


Mark 9:42-50

In what ways have we become a stumbling block to those who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? How have our thoughts, words and deeds caused those around us to fall away from the church? Our purpose in life is to make this world a better place. Unfortunately, we have responded in ways that create dysfunction and cause strife and division. Let us confess our sins and reclaim our purpose by committing to a life where we are at peace with one another.


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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