A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
This passage reveals the tender loving relationship between two lovers (God as husband and Israel as wife). The relationship is an exclusive one, and there is no room for a love triangle. All of creation celebrates this marriage covenant and declares the eternal nature of this loving communion. In righteousness, in justice, in steadfast love, in mercy, and in faithfulness the marriage is consummated. The heavens and the earth stand as witnesses to the glory of such unity.
How do we define love today?
What outside factors disrupt the experience of love?
Is there a difference between a contract and a covenant? If so, what might that difference be?
What qualities shape our relationships? Distinguish how each of the following are reflected in our relationship with others: righteousness, justice, love, mercy, faithfulness.
When there is discord in our family or friendships, who do we turn to confidentially as witnesses? How do these witnesses hold us accountable for our role in the relationship?
This is a very emotionally charged passage. In it we sense Paul’s deep grief as he invites the elders of the church for a face to face meeting. When they come to him, Paul reminds them of his ministerial work and his faithfulness to Christ. He points out to the elders that he has tried to remain humble and has shed many tears as a result of the trials he has faced. Paul made it very clear to the elders that he never ran away from his responsibilities to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. He even describes himself as a captive to the Spirit not knowing his fate but always ready to face it. Paul is not ignorant of the challenges before him. In fact, Paul acknowledges that the Holy Spirit has revealed to him that imprisonment and persecution await him. As if in a desperate plea to be understood, Paul shares that he does not count his life of any value to himself, and that his only focus is to finish his course of mission and fulfill the ministry that Christ has appointed him to do. Clearly, Paul is ready to do anything and everything to share the good news of God's grace with the world even if it means that these elders will never see his face again. Paul’s conscience is clear and he knows that he is not responsible for the blood of any of God’s children for he never kept any of God’s truth from God’s people. Paul exhorts the elders to keep watch over themselves and over all the flock, and declares that the Holy Spirit has made them overseers to shepherd the church of God that God obtained with the blood of his own Son Jesus Christ. Paul warns the elders that after he is gone, savage wolves will come in among them and attempt to destroy the flock. He even alludes to the possibility that some elders among their own group will distort the truth in order to entice innocent people to follow them. Paul pleads with them to remain alert, and asks them to recall how for three years he did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. Paul closes with commending them to God and to the message of God’s grace stating that the gospel is able to build them up and to give them the blessings that belong to those who are sanctified. The blessings of God, Paul argues, are to be coveted more than silver or gold or clothing. He instructs them not to be lazy but instead to work hard to support themselves, one another, and the weak - reminding them of Jesus’ words 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with the elders and prayed with them. There was much weeping among them all; the elders embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again.
What emotionally charged situation have we faced?
In moments of spiritual distress, to whom do we turn to for counsel?
Why might it be challenging to remain humble when difficult experiences bring us to tears?
Is our conscience clear or is our mind disturbed? Why might this be?
In what ways have those closest to us distorted the truth and deceived us for their own selfish gain?
Are God’s blessings free for us or do we have to work for them? Explain.
Is it better to give or to receive? Explain.
Have we ever knelt down to pray with someone? If so, then what was this experience like? If not, why not?
If you knew you would not see tomorrow what would you want others to know?
This passage takes place while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret. The crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God. Seeing two boats at the shore of the lake, Jesus got into one of the boats, and asked Simon to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he asked Simon to let down the nets into the water. The disciples had worked all night long but had caught nothing. Yet, because Jesus had requested, they let down the nets. When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon saw this, he fell down at Jesus' knees in a spirit of confession. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by others pressing in on you? How does being the center of attention make you feel? Why?
Why might coming away from the crowd for a while actually help us engage more effectively with people?
In what ways have your frustrations with life been challenged by your faith in Christ?
The Bible teaches us that when we obey Christ and come together in a unity of spirit, great things are bound to happen. How might the miracle of the catch of fish inform our own approach to overcoming barriers in life?
What worldly responsibilities do you have right now that can become divine endeavors?
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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