A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Ezekiel 47:1-12

In the ancient world, most powerful cities were built around a body of water. The supply of water was essential for life and for defense. Jerusalem was one of the few great cities that was not located directly on a river. Yet, Ezekiel uses the imagery of water flowing from the temple to affirm that the temple will be a font of blessing for Israel. It is interesting to note that the river does not come from a king’s palace or from a government building. It doesn’t come from a marketplace, a place of business, or an athletic arena. Instead, it comes from God’s house. Also noteworthy is that the depth of the water increases proportionally to the distance traveled. At first the river was ankle-deep, then it was knee-deep, then it was up to the waist, and finally it was deep enough to swim in. At some point, when the river (spiritual waters) become too difficult to wade in and can no longer be crossed, we are brought back to the bank of the river. The passage ends with a reminder that the river which flows from the temple makes even the Dead Sea fresh again.

  1. Have we felt a call to go deeper into the waters of God’s holy word? If so, then how have we responded to the call to go deeper in our faith? If not, then does this mean that we are stagnant and complacent in our faith?

  2. In what practical ways do we dive into holy scriptures each day, and how are we carried along by the water currents of God’s holy word?

  3. What does transitioning from ankle-deep faith to swimming in the deep mysteries of faith look like in our life?

  4. What hopeless situation (Dead Sea) in our life can the word of God bring a fresh perspective to?

Luke 1:1-4

It was clear to Luke that he was not the first person to write an orderly account of the events in the life of Jesus Christ. What Luke tried to focus on was those who were burnt out on the “if it feels good, do it” lifestyle. He felt the need to reach to those who were tired of religious superstitions and to those who wanted to be given the cold hard facts of what it meant to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In Luke’s version of the gospel message, he appeals to those who do not feel like they fit in and to those who are victims of injustice and oppression.

  1. Take a few moments to write down an orderly account of how Jesus Christ has impacted your life in different seasons of your life.

  2. What is the difference between doing something because it feels good and doing something because it is right even when it does not feel good?

  3. How have your thoughts, words and deeds communicated a real sense of hope to those who are outcasts and to those who are victims of injustice and oppression.

 Isaiah 52:7-10

In this passage the whole earth witnesses how the Lord redeems Zion. Mount Zion is the place where Yahweh, the God of Israel, dwells (Isaiah 8:18; Psalm 74:2), the place where he is king (Isaiah 24:23) and where he has installed his king, David (Psalm 2:6). It is thus the seat of the action of Yahweh in history. The steps that lead to peace and salvation for Zion (Israel) are beautiful beyond description. Such beauty will be displayed for the whole world to see.

  1. Define redemption? In what ways have you experienced being redeemed?

  2. Is there a physical place in your life where you feel at peace and safe? If so, why does this place make you feel at peace and safe? If not, how might you create a space where peace and safety can be found?

  3. Do those around you find peace and safety in your presence? Why or why not?

Acts 1:1-8

In the book of Acts we see the transition of the gospel of Jesus Christ from a specific place and community (i.e. Jerusalem) to the world (i.e. Rome). The story of what Jesus did, what he taught, his suffering, his resurrection and proofs of resurrection thereafter, how we ascended, and the instructions given to us through the Holy Spirit were all messages that Luke longed to share with the world. Luke makes it very clear that while John baptized the people of Israel with water, the world will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Not only will the kingdom of Israel be restored but the kingdom of God will be reestablished as the Holy Spirit comes upon God’s people and endows them with power from on high. This good news will be witnessed to the ends of the earth.

  1. How have local stories led to changes on a global level?

  2. In what way has your personal story impacted those around you?

  3. What does it mean to be baptized by the Holy Spirit? How might your understanding of this impact how you respond to the challenges of life?

  4. What good news do you have, that you wish to share with the world?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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