A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Ecclesiasticus 24:1-12

Note: The book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus is considered to be the largest wisdom book from antiquity to have survived. It is accepted as part of the canon by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and most Oriental Orthodox Christians. The Anglican tradition considers Sirach among the apocryphal books, and read them but do not yet apply them to establish any doctrine.

A beautiful poem on Wisdom. While self praise can be dangerous, wisdom always keeps within the bounds of God’s law. Wisdom comes forth from the mouth of the Most High; God’s word covers it like a mist. Wisdom abides in the vault of heaven and journeys through the depths of hell. It looks for a resting place - a safe place for it to abide. God alone decides where wisdom reveals itself. Wisdom has no beginning or end but forever abounds in the holy city of God and takes root in the lives of God’s people.

  1. How does our self praise reflect the wisdom of God?

  2. In what ways do our thoughts, words and deeds reflect God’s holy word?

  3. Where can we find wisdom today?

  4. What wisdom have we inherited from ages past?

  5. What wisdom will we bestow for future generations?

Revelation 11:14-19

This passage finds us caught up in the glory of heaven during the blowing of the seventh trumpet. It is the end of the great tribulation and the opening of the temple in heaven. A major transition takes place as the kingdom of the world becomes the kingdom of God. We catch a glimpse of twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God and fall on their faces and worship God through singing. We are informed that the time has come for evil to face the wrath of God and final judgment while the faithful servants of God will be rewarded. As the ark of God’s covenant is revealed within the holy temple, there are flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. Quite a spectacle you might say! Definitely something that would take your breath away.

  1. What does the Bible say about tribulation? Is there an end to our suffering in this world?

  2. How would we think, speak and act differently if we knew for sure the exact date and time when the kingdoms of the world would give way to the kingdom of God?

  3. What emotions do you think the twenty-four elders experienced as they fell to their knees and worshiped God? How do we feel each day when given an opportunity to worship God - do we view the opportunity as a burden or a blessing?

  4. Would you consider yourself to be a faithful servant? Why or why not?

  5. What is the most mind blowing experience of nature that you have come across? How might this compare to the flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquake, and heavy hail described in this passage?

Luke 11:27-36

In this passage Jesus reveals what it means to be truly blessed, answers those who demand a sign from heaven, and issues a warning to hypocrites. Jesus makes it clear to us that while our very life is a blessing from God, the greater is when we use our life to hear and obey God’s holy word. Jesus condemns evildoers who demand proof from God but who blindly choose to believe the lies of the world. Jesus points out that no one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For this reason, those who take the light of Christ and hide it from the world are considered to be hypocrites. If we embrace the light of Christ, then our whole body is full of light; but if we reject the light of Christ, then our body is full of darkness. Therefore, we must consider whether or not the light of Christ shines through us.

  1. Is every human life a blessing?

  2. Based on your previous answer, is there such a thing as a bad person? Explain your reasoning.

  3. What blessing should we strive for ultimately?

  4. How are we practically hearing God’s word on a daily basis?

  5. In what ways do we literally practice obeying God’s word?

  6. How have we demanded proof from God?

  7. What worldviews have we accepted blindly?

  8. State how you would describe the light of Christ to a nonbeliever?

  9. In what areas of our life do we hide the light of Christ so that we can remain comfortable in the darkness of evil?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+





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