A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings
The word of the Lord came to Micah and brough judgment upon Israel (Northern Kingdom - Samaria) and Judah (Southern Kingdom - Jerusalem). This judgment was to be declared by all of creation. The mountains will melt, the valleys will burst open, water will pour down from a steep place, stones will be poured into the valley, foundations will be exposed, idols will be smashed to pieces, and wages shall be burned with fire. Such is the fate of those who sin against God.
What word has the Lord placed on your heart?
How does creation reveal God’s truth to you?
What might be our fate if we continue our current lifestyle?
As Paul is in protective custody from Jerusalem to Caesarea, he experiences small miracles because he trusts in the big promises of God. Although Paul had been in a very frustrating and depressing situation the night before, Jesus had encouraged Paul to remain courageous. The mercies of God were new the next morning, and, as the sun rose the next morning, Paul experienced a fresh strength in the power of the Holy Spirit. Little did Paul know that the Jews had joined in a conspiracy and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who joined in this conspiracy. This group of Jews begged the sacred Jewish council to request the tribune to bring Paul down to them, on the pretext that they wanted to make a more thorough examination of Paul’s case. These forty Jews planned to do away with Paul as he was transported from the tribune to the council. Fortunately, the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush; so he informed Paul and the tribune of the plan. Together, they were able to make plans to avoid the ambush.
When Christ encourages us to be courageous, does this mean that our future will be free from trials and tribulations? Explain.
Do you believe that the end always justifies the means? Explain.
The forty Jews were fully zealous and completely committed but they were fully and completely misguided in their vision. What are we fully zealous and completely committed to but misguided in our vision?
Who or what community might be planning to ambush us?
Are there people who are looking out for our best interest and willing to put themselves in harm's way so that we might escape the attacks of our enemies?
In this passage the sick are healed and the dead are raised. First, we are told about a centurion who, although beloved and respected by his community, did not feel worthy to have Jesus enter his home. The centurion publicly acknowledged that Jesus’ word had power to heal his slave. When Jesus observed the centurion’s behavior, he was amazed at the centurion, and turning to the crowd that followed him, Jesus said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” At Jesus’ word, a centurion’s slave, who was ill and close to death, returned to good health. Second, we are told that a man who had died was carried out and placed before Jesus. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier (a movable frame on which a coffin or a corpse is placed before burial or cremation or on which it is carried to the grave), and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God.
Who do you know that has been healed of sickness because of prayer?
What near death experience or death experience have you heard about someone overcoming that left you shocked but thankful?
Have you ever prayed Jesus’ name over someone who was struggling with the storms of life? If so, then what was that experience like? If not, then why have you not done so?
To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Thomas+
Comments
Post a Comment