A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
When we are desperate for help, we tend to be more open to listening to others. It’s when we believe we are in control that we are tempted to ignore the wisdom of those around us. In this passage Joshua builds an altar to God on Mount Ebal. This action is a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 27-28. The Lord God had told Israel that when they came to the Promised Land, they were to stand before Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, build an altar, sacrifice to the Lord, and read the enter law. Even though the people of Israel had reached the Promised Land, Joshua still felt it was important for them to remain faithful to God’s commandments. When we enter our own ‘Promised Land’ and believe we have things under control, do we still remain faithful to God’s ways? In what ways have we sinned by trying to do things our own way instead of God’s way?
Some people live their whole life just to pass judgment on others. The Bible makes it very clear though that we must not pass judgment on one another. Instead, we are supposed to resolve our issues with one another in a loving manner so that we do not become a stumbling block or hindrance to each other. None of us are unclean in and of ourselves. God has created us holy. If anyone is injured by what we think, say or do, then we are no longer walking in love. Our thoughts, words, and deeds must never ruin the life of someone for whom Christ died. Unfortunately, even our best intentions can sometimes cause harm to another person. Therefore, strive to be righteous, peaceful, and joyful in everything you do. Live to serve Christ, do what is acceptable to God, and aim to be accepted by those around you as much as reasonably possible. Always pursue peace and commit to mutual upbuilding. Never let your personal opinions or actions destroy those who sincerely do the work of God. May our conviction before God guide us in how we live our life. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves or others.
Do we follow Christ closely or at a distance? Having a close relationship with someone means making ourselves vulnerable. Being distant from others might be the safe approach to avoiding the pain of living life together but it is a very lonely and selfish way to live. After Jesus had been arrested and taken to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, Peter followed Jesus but only at a distance. Peter was interested to find out what would happen to Jesus but he also wanted to avoid being arrested. Peter remained aloof while the chief priests and the whole council looked for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death. In the midst of Jesus’s distress, Peter was so close yet so far away from Jesus. Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah but he was not close enough to testify on Jesus’s behalf. Ultimately, Jesus stood alone - abandoned by those who were thought to be close to him. With no one to speak up on Jesus’s behalf, the high priest was free to accuse Jesus of being a blasphemer. Then Jesus’s enemies bullied him by spitting in his face, striking him, and slapping him. Do we follow Christ closely or at a distance? Have we made ourselves vulnerable to living life together with others or have we put walls up to protect ourselves? There are many in our life who need a friend to walk with them, stand up for them, and defend their honor and respect. Being there for someone is hard, and we risk being caught up in their suffering but if that is not taking up the cross and denying ourselves then I do know what is.
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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