A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Ecclesiasticus 38:24-34

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 discusses the topic of wisdom. The farmer, artisan, blacksmith, and the potter are integral to the building up of any community. They maintain the fabric of the world. We should turn to them for wisdom. How much more then should we seek wisdom from those who study the word of God - the source of all wisdom?

  1. Define wisdom.

  2. What industries are there today that help maintain the fabric of society? What wisdom can the church glean from those industries?

  3. Who do we turn to help us understand the wisdom of the word of God?

Revelation 14:1-13

In this passage we are given a picture of the Lamb and the 144,000 (see Revelation 7) on Mount Zion who stand victorious over the trails of life. It is there that an angel preaches the gospel from heaven, announces the fall of Babylon (evil powers), and warns of coming judgment. A word of hope is given as we are reminded of the blessedness of the saints who are called to faithfulness and endurance even in the midst of the great tribulation. We are exhorted to give dignity and importance to all our work in this temporal life on earth as it will be remembered in our eternal life in heaven.

  1. Why symbols of victory do you hold onto in the midst of life’s storms?

  2. What gives you hope in times of trial and tribulation?

  3. How can we remain faithful and endure the hardships of life even when we feel like giving up?

  4. Why should we give dignity and importance to the work we do on a daily basis?

Luke 12:49-59

The imagery of baptism comes through in this passage. It is not a baptism that is cute and comfortable but rather one that brings fire to earth and causes much stress. The baptism is not one that brings peace to the earth. Instead, it brings division between families, friends, and even faith communities. There are so many signs of God’s judgment upon us. Yet, we fail to understand the signs of the times. We continue to fight with others instead of settling our grievances with one another. Because we act out in hate, instead of showing unconditional love, we create our own prisons in which our joy and peace are lost. When will we understand the errors of our ways?

  1. What demands does Christian baptism make on our life?

  2. Is Chrisitan baptism a cute and comfortable experience? Explain?

  3. What signs do we see around us that point to God’s judgment upon us?

  4. What causes us to fight with one another?

  5. Do we spend more time hating than we do loving? Explain.

  6. What brings true joy and peace to our life?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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