A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Exodus 32:21-34

In this passage Moses questions Aaron as to why he built the golden calf and permitted the people to turn to idolatry. Who is the Moses in your life? Who holds you accountable for your thoughts, words, and deeds? We are told that Aaron placed the blame on the people. In your opinion, does Aaron’s reasoning justify his actions? Do we own the choices we have made or do we blame someone else when our poor choices lead to bad consequences? When Moses heard Aaron’s excuse, he turned to the people and asked them to decide if they were on the Lords’ side or the on the side of the golden calf. Those who chose the side of the golden calf were destroyed, and those who chose the side of the Lord were ordained into the service of the Lord. What guidelines or criteria help us choose one option versus another? Do our choices destroy our relationship with God and others or do our choices deepen our service to them?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Let there be no doubt. God has chosen us to be in relationship with one another. Therefore, let us give thanks to God for one another and pray for one another. Despite any persecution that we might be going through, we must receive and share the message of the gospel as we imitate the Lord Jesus Christ through the conviction of our thoughts, the manifestation of our words, and the power of our deeds. In this way, our faith in God will become known in every place as we turn to God and away from the idolatrous worship of this world..

Matthew 5:11-16

Consider it a blessing when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of Jesus Christ. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the leaders of God’s people before you. Always remember that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. If salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? If light has been snuffed out, then how can it shine in the darkness? If you are not faithful to your calling, then what good are you except to be thrown out with all the other garbage. Stay true to your calling no matter what!

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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