A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Ecclesiasticus 31:12-18,25-32:2

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.

This passage advises us on the proper attitude towards riches. If you are seated at the table of the great, then you should not be greedy. A greedy eye is a bad thing. You must not reach out your hand for everything you see, and you should not disrespect your neighbor when you strive for what you want. Instead, treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated, and in every matter be thoughtful. Always eat what is set before you like a well brought-up person, and do not chew greedily, or others will be offended. Be the first to stop for others as that reflects good manners. If you are seated among many people, do not help yourself before they do. Do not try to prove your strength by getting drunk for alcohol has destroyed many lives. As the furnace tests the work of the smith, so alcohol corrupts the heart when people quarrel. Alcohol is acceptable when taken in moderation. What is life after all without alcohol? It has been created to make people happy. Alcohol drunk at the proper time and in moderation rejoices the heart and brings gladness to the soul. However, drunkenness leads to bitterness of spirit, to quarrels and stumbling. Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his own hurt, reducing his strength and adding wounds. Do not condemn others for drinking alcohol, and do not despise them in their merrymaking; speak no word of reproach to them, and do not distress them by making demands of them. If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of their number. Take care of them first and then sit down; when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place, so that you may be merry along with them and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.

  1. How would you describe a proper attitude towards riches?

  2. Why might greediness be considered disrespectful?

  3. List as many table manners as you can infer from the passage above.

  4. Is it a sin to drink alcohol? Explain.

  5. What is the danger of getting drunk?

  6. What must the master of a feast  do and not do?

Revelation 12:7-17

This passage falls within the larger context of greater tribulation in the world. Specifically, we find ourselves observing a spectacle in heaven. It is there in heaven that a war breaks out where Michael, the archangel, goes to war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels (Devil/Satan) attempt to fight back but are defeated. There is no longer any place for them in heaven. Consequently, the dragon, along with his angels, are thrown down to the earth along with his angels. Then we hear a triumphant voice in heaven proclaim, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” When the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he became angry and pursued the woman (the church) and the rest of her children (children of God / the followers of Jesus Christ) in hopes of destroying them.

  1. What tribulation are we aware of in this world?

  2. How do we comprehend the reality of spiritual warfare?

  3. In what ways has God helped us proclaim victory in life?

  4. What evils are attacking the church and its members today?

Luke 11:53-12:12

In this passage Jesus’ opponents are very hostile toward him and cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say. Jesus is not fazed by their evil plans. In fact, Jesus addresses the matter headon as he speaks to his disciples. He tells the disciples to beware of the hypocrisy of religious leaders and he states that there is nothing that is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Jesus advises the disciples that they need not fear those who kill the body but rather fear God who has the power to cast into hell. Therefore we must be bold in acknowledging Jesus Christ before the world for only then will he acknowledge us before God the Father. However, whoever denies Jesus Christ before others will be denied before the angels of God. Do not worry then for the Holy Spirit will provide what we need when we need it.

  1. Who are the people in your life that have plotted to attack you?

  2. How have we responded to the evil plans of others?

  3. In what ways have you experienced the hypocrisy of religious leaders?

  4. What are we most afraid of?

  5. To whom have we shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with recently? What was this experience like?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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