A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
This passage foretells the birth of Samson. It is interesting to note that we are given the name of Samson’s father - Manoah - but we are not told the name of Samson’s mother. An angel of the Lord appears to Manoah’s wife, in her barrenness, and tells her she will have a son. The angel instructs her to name her son Samson and informs her that Samson would be special. Samson would be the last of the judges of the ancient Israelites mentioned in the Book of Judges and one of the last leaders who "judged" Israel before the institution of the monarchy. This great promise of God comes into a context of great dysfunction. The cycle of sin, bondage, repentance, deliverance, blessing, and sin again continued in the history of Israel. Israel is described as having done evil in the sight of the Lord. What cycle of sin are we caught up in? How might we break this cycle? This was the question that Israel was confronted with. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Manoah wanted to make sure that what his wife heard from the angel was in fact true. Manoah prayed that God would speak directly to him concerning the future birth of Samson. I find it noteworthy that Manoah wanted personal confirmation of God’s plan and that he did not find it sufficient to simply trust his wife. Why is this? God eventually spoke to Manoah through the angel and confirmed this revelation. How open are we to trusting the spiritual discernment of those in our midst? What personal revelations have you received from God? How might listening to one another more intently and trusting one another more deeply affect our life together as a community?
In this passage the high priest questions Peter and the apostles, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." Why did Peter and the apostles choose to teach in Jesus’ name when the high priest had clearly instructed them not to do so? Peter and the apostles explained their decision by saying: "We must obey God rather than any human authority.” What human authority have we chosen to listen to at the expense of disobeying God’s instructions to us?
The high priest and religious authorities were enraged and wanted to kill Peter and the apostles because they did not obey their instructions. In what ways have we been attacked and maligned by those in authority because we went against their selfish agendas and exposed their evil deeds? Was there anyone on the council who defended Peter and the apostles? We are told that there was a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, who stood up and ordered Peter and the apostles to be put outside for a short time. Then Gamaliel advised the council members to leave Peter and the apostles alone. Gamaliel’s argument was that if Peter and the apostles ministry was of human origin, then it would fail on its own. However, if the ministry of Peter and the apostles was of God, then no worldly power would be able to stop it. Although the council was convinced by Gamaliel’s argument, their pride and arrogance led them to flogg Peter and the apostles and to double down on their order for Peter and the apostles to not speak in the name of Jesus. What would we do in such a situation? How did Peter and the apostles respond after being flogged? We are told in scripture that Peter and the apostles rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Jesus’ name. They continued to be persistent in proclaiming the name of Jesus both in the temple and in their home. How committed are we to God's ways when they are in conflict with the ways of the world?
In this passage we see John the Baptist diffuse a conflict. John’s disciples informed him that people were going to Jesus instead of John to be baptized. John could have become jealous and allowed this knowledge to divide God’s people. Instead, John replied: "No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.” This is a great testimony to the truth that baptism unites us into the one body of Jesus Christ. John diffused the temporal conflict by turning everyone’s attention to eternal things. Rather than being disturbed by the news that people were going to Jesus to be baptized, John was filled with joy. He even promoted the name of Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease." How many conflicts could have been avoided in our world if we focused on eternal blessings as opposed to temporal desires? Are we joyful or are we jealous when we see others prosper? The ability to diffuse conflict is often the difference between life and death.
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
Comments
Post a Comment