A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Collect of the Day - Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ezekiel 2:1-7

What opposition are you facing right now? Who is causing trouble for you, and who is raging against you in an evil manner? Do not be silent any longer! God is telling you this morning to stand up on your feet; he will speak to you and through you. No matter what storm you might be going through, trust that the spirit of God will give you the strength to stand strong in the storm. Be mindful that it is God who is sending you to engage the opposition so do not be overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. Instead, focus on speaking the truth in love for God has placed it on your heart. Whether your opposition hears or refuses to hear the truth that you share, they will know that the truth has been shared with them. Therefore, do not be afraid of your enemy, and do not be afraid of their words. Trials and tribulations will surround you but God’s truth will set you free and bring you victory.

Acts 11:1-18

Let’s be clear! The religious elite are not the only ones who can receive God’s word. Those who are considered to be the least and the lost in this world can also hear and receive God’s word. Even Peter was criticized by the religious elite who considered themselves better Christians because they were circumcised believers. These religious elite could not understand or accept the fact that Peter would go to uncircumcised people and eat with them. In their minds, this was unacceptable and very inappropriate. Peter tried to explain to the religious elite that it was the Spirit of God that had told him to go to the uncircumcised. Peter knew that God did not want him or anyone else to make a distinction between the circumcised and uncircumcised. God had given the uncircumcised the same gift that he gave to those who were circumcised. Are we part of the religious elite or are we considered to be the least and lost in this world? How can being part of the religious elite hinder us in sharing the Lord Jesus Christ with those who are different from us? Have we been robbed of God’s gift to us because others view us as less than? We all have a responsibility in silencing such discrimination, and in ensuring that all of God’s children hear and receive God’s word.

Isaiah 49:1-6

No matter how distant God may appear from your current situation - listen and pay attention! The Lord called you before you were born, while you were in your mother's womb he named you. He made your mouth like a sharp sword and kept you safe for this very moment in time. Have no doubt; God will be glorified through what you are going through right now. You might feel like your labor is in vain or that your efforts are for nothing. Be assured though that God has a purpose for you and will reward your faithfulness. You will be honored in the sight of all because God is your strength. God has intentionally chosen you to raise up the victims of injustice and oppression. Because of you, many of God’s children will not only survive but they will thrive for you will be a light to the nations and an agent of God’s salvation.

Galatians 2:1-9

What radical thing has God revealed to you? How have you responded to this revelation? With whom have you shared this radical revelation? Do you have confidence in what has been revealed to you or are you doubting that revelation? In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us that there will be spies that attempt to limit our freedom to express what God has revealed to us. They will try to keep this revelation enslaved and in chains so as to prevent others from being changed by it or transformed by the truth revealed to us by God. Do not be turned away by such false leaders for they have no intention to contribute anything good but instead they are bent on robbing others of the truth. God’s grace has been given to us in hopes of strengthening the fellowship of believers and building unity in the body of Christ. Therefore, let us be bold in giving voice to the revelation that God has shared with us.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+


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