A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Leviticus 16:20-34

In the Bible, a sacrifice often involved two goats. One goat was sacrificed (not a scapegoat) and the living "scapegoat" was released into the wilderness, taking with it all the sins of the people. To symbolically represent this, the blood of the sacrificed goat was placed on the head of the scapegoat. These two goats are represented in Jesus. Jesus died for our sins. His blood was shed for us on the cross of calvary. He is our scapegoat who reconciles us to God. Have we acknowledged this reality for ourselves and shared this truth with those around us?

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Are we ready for Christ’s second coming? The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. One moment we will think we are at peace and that we are secure but in the blink of an eye destruction will come upon if we are not ready when the Lord comes again. We are all children of the light and we are not children of the darkness. Therefore, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us stay awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other with these words.

Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus taught us how to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.” The Lord’s prayer can be viewed as a six-step guide for any prayer. The steps are as follows: 1) Praise God, 2) Submit to God’s Will, 3) Ask God for daily needs, 4) Confess, 5) Forgive, 6) Seek wisdom and strength to avoid and overcome evil. Do we pray daily? What guidelines do we use in prayer?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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