A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Esther 4:4-17

In this passage, Queen Esther realizes that Mordecai was in great distress. She sends Hathach to inquire as to why Mordecai is so cast down in spirit. Mordecai informs Hathach that Haman, one of the king's trusted officials, is planning to destroy the Jews. Mordecai pleads for Esther to approach the king on behalf of the Jews. However, Esther knows that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being invited, they are likely to be put to death. Mordecai advises Esther that she must not keep silent at such a time as this, and even goes as far as to suggest that perhaps Esther may have come to be queen for just such a time as this. Upon hearing this, Queen Esther asks those in her support group to fast for three days so that she might discern what to do and find the courage to do the right thing.

  • How do we respond when we discover that a friend or even a foe is in spiritual distress?

  • What steps do we take to encourage those around us to stand against injustice and oppression?

  • Does the knowledge of possible retribution block us from doing the right thing?

  • In what ways have we kept silent in the midst of evil, and what might speaking holiness into the situation look like?

  • What is our understanding of the significance of fasting? When was the last time we fasted and why did we fast?

Acts 18:1-11

We find Paul in Corinth as he encounters Aquila and Priscilla who were forced to leave Rome at the order of Claudius. They are also joined by Silas and Timothy in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Jews in the synagogue. However, the Jews opposed and rejected their ministry. Consequently, Paul chastised the Jews saying: "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Then Paul and his team left the synagogue and began ministering to the Gentiles in Corinth. Many of the Gentiles who heard Paul became believers and were baptized. Then, one night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people." Paul and his team continued to minister there for 18 months.

  • How has God brought people into our life to assist us in the work He has called us to do?

  • What feelings come over us when our best intentions and hard work are rejected by others?

  • What steps have we taken to transition from seeking the approval of haters to identifying those who are genuinely hungry to receive the gifts we have to share?

  • Does our fear and anxiety keep us from speaking out or doing the right thing?

  • Reflect on how God has been with you  and protected you from the attacks of your enemy.

Luke [1:1-4],3:1-14

In this passage the word of God comes to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

  • When was the last time we cried and what made us cry?

  • What evil exists in our life today, and how have we attempted to call such evil out?

  • What does bearing fruits of repentance look like in our life?

  • If we do not bear good fruit, then we will be cut down and destroyed. How does this realization impact the choices we make?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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