A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Ecclesiastes 9:11-18

The race of life does not always belong to the swift. The spoils of war do not always belong to the strong. We are all victims of time and chance. Disaster can happen at any moment and without notice. Like fish taken in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare, we also are overtaken when calamity falls upon us. In the midst of calamity, there are some who shout like fools, and there are others whose quiet words lead us out of disaster. Wisdom is the best weapon to overcome evil. Foolishness destroys whatever good there may be. Do you tend to shout or are you quiet? Do you consider yourself wise or foolish?


Galatians 5:1-15

Christ has set us free so that we might stand firm against injustice and oppression. Through the power of the Spirit, we wait and hope for righteousness to be revealed. Such righteousness is grounded in faith and worked out through love. Beware then of hate - even in its simplest form. Do you not realize that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. Therefore, do not let hate take root in you. Those who propograte hate try hard to confuse others and make them fearful and anxious. Surely, they will pay a steep penalty. Praise be to God, however, that the cross of Christ has removed the penalty of death from us who are saved. We are free from the hate and condemnation of others. In love we choose to serve one another. In the end, there is only one thing we must do: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Woe to those who are bent on devouring others and who are consumed in attacking the innocent.


Matthew 16:1-12

In this passage the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus. Yet, it was Christ who tested their ability to interpret the signs of the times. Christ referred to them as an evil and adulterous generation. Even the disciples were confused and perplexed by the thoughts, words and deeds of Christ. In what ways are we testing Christ? Are there evil or adulterous things that we have done? How might the thoughts, words and deeds of Christ go against contemporary culture?


To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+




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