A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Jeremiah 11:18-23

In this passage the Lord reveals to Jeremiah the conspiracy and threat against him. Jeremiah’s enemies warned him to not prophesy in the name of the Lord lest he die by their hand. Jeremiah describes his predicament - “I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter.” Because Jeremiah has committed his life to the Lord, he calls upon the Lord for retribution and the Lord promises to protect Jeremiah.

  1. What truth have you tried to share that was rejected by those in power?

  2. When you face opposition and are attacked for your beliefs, how does this impact your faith in God?

  3. What is spiritual warfare, and does God take sides in spiritual warfare?

 Matthew 10:16-22

In this passage, Jesus prepares the disciples for persecution. “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

  1. Why would Jesus intentionally send the disciples out like sheep into the midst of wolves?

  2. What might it mean to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves?

  3. How does the Holy Spirit intervene on our behalf when we face opposition and are attacked by our enemies?

  4. Jesus states that brother will betray brother, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents. Have you experienced toxicity in family relationships? Explain.

Isaiah 65:17-25

In this passage the Lord states that he will redeem and remake all of creation and reveals his intention to create a new heaven and a new earth. The former trials and tribulations will be replaced by joy and gladness. The sound of weeping will no longer be heard. The Lord promises that even before his people call upon him he will answer their prayers. The calming image is given of the wolf and lamb dwelling together in harmony.

  1. What new thing is the Lord doing in your life?

  2. How are the trials and tribulations that you have gone through being replaced by experiences of joy and gladness?

  3. Are there still sounds of weeping in your life? When do you think those sounds will no longer be heard?

  4. What image of your future brings your calm and peace? What can you do to make that vision a reality?

Hebrews 12:12-24

In this passage we are encouraged to lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees, and make straight paths for our feet because healing is on the way. Therefore get strong, get right with God, and watch out as the blessings of heaven are showered upon you. We must focus on pursuing peace and holiness with everyone so that together we can see the Lord and obtain the grace of God. Let us ensure that no root of bitterness springs up before so as to cause trouble and destroy our unity. Do not be like Esau who was an immoral and godless person who sold his birthright for a single meal. Even when Esau realized the error  of his ways and wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. Esau found no chance to repent even though he sought the blessing with tears. Instead, embrace Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, who surrendered worldly glory to ensure that the blessings of heaven would remain with him.

  1. What experiences have caused your drooping hands and weakened knees?

  2. How will you make your crooked path straight again so that healing can take place?

  3. What blessings of God have we, like Esau, sold in order to satisfy our worldly desires?

  4. Why might attaining worldly glory be so appealing? How might our pursuit of such worldly glory cause us to miss out on the greater blessings of heaven?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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