A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
It is such a sigh of relief the moment we realize we made it through a crisis or life storm. In fact, knowing that a calamity has passed can cause us to break forth in song and rejoice. This is how Israel felt when they realized that the Lord had taken away the judgments against them; he had turned away their enemies. No longer did they need to fear disaster overcoming them. Instead, God had granted them the victory, and he rejoiced over Israel with gladness. However, we must take note here that the reason Israel was delivered was not so they could become obsessed with attaining worldly power and possessions but rather they could surrender themselves as instruments of liberation for those who were still outcast and oppressed by evil structures. It should never be enough for us to experience victory just by ourselves; we must ensure that no one is left behind. Our goal in victory must be to transform the shame and suffering of others into a testimony that reflects God’s glory. For it is only when we establish joy and peace in the world at large that we will personally experience true and lasting victory.
Say what? You have to be kidding me! This might have been the reaction of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome when the angel told them that Jesus’s body was not in the tomb. These women had journeyed to the tomb expecting that Jesus would still be in the tomb. They were even wondering who would roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb. Yet, when they arrived at the tomb, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. How could this be? They could not believe their eyes. However, as they surveyed the tomb, it was clear that Jesus was not there. Have there been a moment in your life when you resolved yourself to the loss of an opportunity only to realize later that your assumption was wrong? What proof would it take for you to keep believing that your dream was still possible or that your heart’s desire could still be attained? It oftens happens that when we give up trying to control our situation and when we have exhausted all of our resources that God shows up and moves the stone away that blocks our entrance into a better future and brighter tomorrow. When Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome realized that Jesus had risen, they had a choice to make. They could have continued down the path of grief and loss or they could journey the path of resurrected hope and eternal gain. The angel told the women to go, “tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." The women went in faith and claimed a glorious future which was grounded on God’s word. What amazing story is God ready to write in your life? Are you ready to move forward in faith in claiming that abundant life which God has prepared for you? The stone which once stood as an obstacle before you has already been moved. Now, in faith, you must enter into the life that God has always intended for you to live.
In this passage we have the song of Miriam. The song declares that the greatest powers of this world are no match for the power of God. Just as the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his chariot drivers went into the sea, the evil powers which conspire against us will drown under the mighty waves of God’s majesty. Therefore, do not be afraid to walk through the sea of despair. In bold faith journey forward on the solid ground of God’s promises.
Are you afflicted or frustrated by the trials of life? What gives you confidence when facing such adversity? The Bible teaches us that God consoles us in all our affliction so that we may be able to console others who are afflicted with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. Do we not realize that just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. Therefore, let us patiently endure suffering because we know that, whether we are being afflicted or consoled, our hope is unshaken.
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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