A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Joshua 9:3-21

This passage describes the Gibeonite deception. The inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai. Consequently, the Gibeonites tried to deceive Israel into making a peace treaty with them but God had warned Israel not to make peace with the Gibeonites. Sadly, the leaders foolishly trusted the Gibeonites and befriended them instead of asking direction from the Lord. Is it realistic to think that we should be at peace with everyone? Are there people or communities that are simply pure evil? Why did Joshua and the leadership of Israel feel the need to accept those who God found to be unacceptable? Who in our life is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”? How have we betrayed God by our human desire to be accepted and validated by those who are at enmity with God?

Romans 15:1-13

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." Our hope for a better tomorrow stems from our steadfast study of God’s word and the encouragement we receive from holy scriptures. It should be our prayer that the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed us, for the glory of God. Let us learn from Christ who showed us that true joy and peace springs from a life of service.

Matthew 26:69-75

Peter denied Jesus three times and then was so convicted of his sin that he went outside the gates of the city and wept bitterly. In what ways have we denied Christ in order make ourselves look good or in hopes to tearing down someone else? Do we realize that when we deny the image of God in our brother or sister, we are denying Christ himself? Let us repent for hurting one another and received forgiveness.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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