A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
In this passage we see the conflict between Jephthah and the men of Ephraim. The tribe of Ephraim felt slighted by Jephthah and were angry that they did not have a central and prestigious role in the victorious battle over the Ammonites. Do we feel slighted and angry when we are not in the spotlight or the center of attention? It is evident that the men of Ephraim were more concerned with getting the credit than with seeing a job done. Can we admit that there is a tendency within all of us to not want to do a job unless we receive credit? The Ephraimites backed up their anger with a threat. They threatened to burn down Jephthah’s house with him in it. It is a strange jealousy that causes a loving human being to transform into a fire of hate that burns down relationships. The biggest threat to the church and to the community at large is the disintegration of relationships due to selfish desires. Has our sense of unity been lost in our marriage, family, or friendships? How might the attitude of the men of Ephraim help us understand why this might be? Instead of complaining about the work that has already been done, can we celebrate and cooperate with others in the work still to be done? The glass that is half empty is still the glass that is half full. Stop complaining and get to work.
Do you feel like you are being punished for your good deeds or are you suffering rebuke and condemnation for going out of your way to work for the good of the church? There is a saying: “No good deed goes unpunished”. This saying is a cynical commentary on the frequency with which acts of kindness backfire on those who offer them. In other words, those who help others often suffer the rebuke and condemnation of the world. In this passage, the apostles are connected with the many signs and wonders of the Kingdom of God. The people carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured. Even though the people held the apostles in high esteem and believers were being added to the church in great numbers, the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. Unfortunately, jealousy is a reality of our fallen world. It can have divisive and disastrous consequences. Have you tried to work for good but been hurt by the thoughts, words or deeds of another person or community because of it? Please, hang in there. Peter and the apostles faced the hate and harsh attacks of the world but God delivered them. During the night, while Peter and the apostles were in prison, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and exhorted them to remain bold in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. Do not get deterred or derailed by those who are consumed with jealousy and power. God delivers the righteous and breaks open the doors that imprison us. The truth is that the power of man is no match for the power of God.
In this passage we find a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews approaching Jesus by night and searching for answers. What questions or doubts do you struggle with in the darkness? How might the light of Christ bring clarity and wisdom into your life? Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being born from above. You see, Nicodemus was looking for the answers to life in all the wrong places. The real answers can be found not in temporal things but in eternal things. This is the mysterious truth of what occurs in baptism. What Nicodeumus failed to understand was that in the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and we are reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Jesus wanted Nicodemus to understand that what is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. This rebirth through baptism brings a renewal of purpose. It is for this reason that Jesus points out to Nicodemus that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Temporal darkness gives way to eternal light. We are able to see the light even when darkness surrounds us. We begin to find answers to our many questions and doubts. In baptism, we shift from temporal concerns to a life focused on eternal truths. Such transformation gives us confidence in the bigger picture of God’s plan for our life. Have no doubt; the light of Christ has come into the world but those who love darkness hate the light because it exposes their evil deeds. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. Take heart then and do not be dismayed when the world seeks to condemn for it is then that Jesus saves you.
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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