A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Ecclesiastes 8:14-9:10

There is a vanity to life. There are righteous people who are treated as if they were wicked, and there are wicked people who are treated as if they were righteous. All of us long to eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves. Even when we face trials and tribulations, each of us must find a way to celebrate the life God has given us. Be mindful that while the work of those who are righteous and wise are in the hands of God, the work of those who are wicked and foolish are in the hands of the world. If we truly seek righteousness and wisdom, then we will find them in the unfolding works of God in our midst. In a way, we all share the same fate; we all have to deal with thoughts that are clean or unclean, words that are loving or hateful, and deeds that are good or evil. This is the reality of life. Those who live life seeking righteousness and wisdom will always have a deep sense of hope. Therefore, do not become frustrated when you look at those who appear to have all the power and glory. Isn't a living dog better than a dead lion? If we are God’s children, then we are alive. If we reject God, then we are dead. What real reward do the dead have? What legacy do the dead leave us to remember them by? The truth is that there is no reward for the dead; there is nothing worthy to remember about their life. Therefore, in humility and faithfulness, let us eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves for God has approved of what we do.


Galatians 4:21-31

This passage compares and contrasts the two sons of Abraham. Ishmael was born of a slave woman Hagar according to the desires of the flesh. He represents the covenant of slavery. Isaac was born of a free woman Sarah according to the promise of God. He represents the covenant of freedom. In what ways have our fleshly desires placed us in a covenant of slavery? How might remembering the promises of God help us live within a covenant of freedom?


Matthew 15:29-39

In this passage, the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others come to Jesus and are cured. The crowd witnessed this, was amazed, and praised God. Jesus’ compassion for the crowd is clear to the disciples. What was also clear to the disciples was that worshiping God was not just about being amazed with who God is and praising God for what he has done in the past. Rather, worshiping God must naturally lead the disciples to serving God’s people. Jesus draws the disciples attention to the reality that the crowd is hungry but has nothing to eat. Jesus places an expectation on the disciples to feed the crowd. The disciples respond to this expectation by saying - "Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" The disciples get bogged down by the big task before them but Jesus nudges them toward a solution. In his wisdom, Jesus frees the disciples to take a baby step toward solving the problem in front of them. Jesus asked them, "How many loaves have you?" This was a very simple yet profound question that liberated the disciples from a prison of fear and insecurity. The disciples offered what they could and did whatever they could do. All the while, the disciples trusted Jesus to provide. Jesus took what the disciples offered, gave thanks, and sent the disciples out to feed the crowd. The Bible points out that the crowd ate and was filled. There were even leftovers. The kernel of truth here is that when there is a need to serve God’s people, there will always be something that we have to offer. We must remind ourselves not to get frustrated by the enormous scope of the problem before us. Rather, we must freely offer what we have and do what we can do. We must know that through faith God will provide for his people. Miracles never begin with zero. What miracle is ready to unfold in your life that God is calling you to be part of?


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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