A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
Real wisdom turns Israel back to the Lord after Israel had stumbled because of its iniquity. This return is not only a silent experience of the heart but it is a verbal testimony (“take words with you … the fruit of our lips”) which proceeds out of the mouth of Israel. In this act of repentance, Israel renounces its dependence on all other things and recognizes that the Lord alone is all Israel needs. Interesting to note is that Israel’s disloyalty was viewed by God as more a sickness than it was a crime. God was willing to love Israel freely - without condition, and refrain from acting out in anger. Israel had to learn to be content with living under God’s shadow for it was only then that they would flourish and blossom as a people.
What life choices have caused us to stumble?
What does turning back to the Lord look like?
Why might it be important to not only confess Christ internally (heart & mind) but also externally (words & deeds)?
What worldly things are we dependent on value and worth?
Is there a difference between a sickness and a crime? Why might the phrase “healing Israel’s disloyalty” have been used in scripture?
Does real love come with conditions? Explain.
Are we content living under someone else’s shadow? Why or why not?
The Roman commander arranges a hearing of the charges against Paul before the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin). The purpose of the hearing was to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews. As Paul stood before the council, his intent and conscience were pure. Yet, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. At this Paul pronounced judgment on Ananias and referred to him as a “whitewashed wall”. Those standing nearby felt that Paul’s action was an insult to the high priest. Paul said that he did not realize that Ananias was the high priest. In a wise attempt to win over some of the council, Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, and Paul aligned himself with the Pharisees by calling to their attention the fact that he was a Pharisee himself. Upon hearing this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. You see, the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three. As a great clamor arose, certain Pharisees stood up and defended Paul’s innocence. Then the dissension became violent. When the council realized things were getting out of control and that Paul’s life was in danger, the council ordered soldiers to protect Paul. That night the Lord stood near Paul and encouraged him to remain courageous.
When have you had to defend yourself before others? What was that experience like?
Is it possible to have a pure conscience and intent but still be criticized and condemned by others? If so, then why even attempt to be pure?
What are your thoughts about Paul’s strategic approach to winning over the Pharisees? Have you done something similar to this? Explain.
Do you blame Paul for causing dissension and instigating violence? Why or why not?
What life experience is the Lord asking you to courageously face?
Jesus offers advice about the relationship between faith and action. He raises the question: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Won't both fall into a pit?” Jesus was trying to communicate that an unfaithful person is not able to guide another unfaithful person for both will be unfaithful. Jesus stresses the importance of personal confession and reflection. Unless we correct ourselves, how then can we correct others? Jesus states: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.” Faith without action is dead. If we have faith, then we will act in faithfulness. Jesus points out: “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit.” To drive home the relationship between faith and action even more, Jesus talks about the wise home builder and the foolish homebuilder. The wiseman hears God’s words and acts upon them. The wise man dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. The foolish man hears God’s words but fails to act on them. The foolish man built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house. Simply stated, faith and action go hand in hand.
Which is more important - faith or action - or both? Explain.
Should a faithful person ask advice from an unfaithful person? Why or why not?
What area of growth are there in your life? How comfortable are you with sharing these growing edges with those around you?
Can a good tree bear bad fruit? Explain.
How can one tell if they are wise or foolish?
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
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