A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
In this passage Balak expresses his disappointment with Balaam. Balak had brought Balaam to curse Balak’s enemies, but instead Balaam blessed them. Balaam explained his action by saying that he could only speak the words that the Lord put into his mouth. What have others asked us to do that may not align with God’s will for our life? Are there people that we have hurt by our actions whom we should have helped instead? What emotions are filling our heart at this moment, and are these emotions that God wants us to feel about ourselves or others? What steps can we take to speak the word of God in a way that brings justice and joy?
How hard are you on yourself? Do others condemn you and judge you often? Please know that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We have been set free from a legalistic approach to life. God’s grace has been freely given to us, and his love for us is unconditional. Therefore, do not let the desires of the flesh destroy your life, and do not lose hope when others condemn or judge you.. Instead, live your life directed by the Spirit of God and you will find peace and joy. No matter how hopeless we may feel, we must always remember that the same God who raised Christ from the dead will surely restore life to us.
In this passage we have the parable of the king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. The king sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. What experience in our life have we attempted to share with others only to realize that they did not care about our experience? God has invited us to take part in the heavenly banquet of salvation through Jesus Christ. Do we care to respond to this invitation?
Again, the king sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king became angry. How have we made light of the experiences of others and then gone on with our business as usual or even condemned or judged someone for sharing their experience with us? Have we taken Jesus Christ for granted and made light of our salvation? How have we condemned or judged others for their faithfulness to answering God’s call?
The king sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. We fill the seats of the church on Sunday morning but that is not enough. What good things have we done as part of a church community? What bad things have we done as part of a church community?
But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen." Are we bearing fruits of the spirit as members of the Christian faith community or do our thoughts, words, and deeds disgrace God and the church?
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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