A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Micah 2:1-13

Sin has so consumed God’s people that they stay awake all night devising wicked plots and planning evil deeds on their beds. When the morning dawns, they rise up early to carry out their plans. They fail to realize that the Lord is more cunning than they are. When the Lord’s patience is exhausted, he will ruin those who are not faithful. They will wail with bitter lamentation. This did not need to be their fate for God’s holy word does good to those who walk uprightly.

  1. What thoughts and feelings consume our mind as we lay down to sleep at night? How do these thoughts and feelings affect our behavior the next day?

  2. What selfish choices have we made? In what ways do our choices reflect a wrong thinking that we are smarter and more knowledgeable than God?

  3. Why are God’s ways better than our ways and his plans better than our plans?

  4. Have we ever ‘wailed with bitter lamentation’? Explain.

  5. Does strict adherence to God’s word ensure us a happy and trouble-free life?

  6. What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Acts 23:23-35

Paul escapes to Caesarea, with a full military escort and a letter referring his case to the provincial governor. In this letter Claudius Lysias, commander of the Roman garrison in Jerusalem, informs Felix the governor that Paul was a Roman citizen and the Jews were intent on killing Paul. Lysias made it clear in the letter that the Jews had accused Paul for violating Jewish laws but that Paul was charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. Felix the governor decided to have Paul await trial until his accusers could arrive and state their case. Till then, Paul was kept safe at the order of Felix.

  1. In times of judgment and condemnation, who in our circle do we believe will stand with us?

  2. What role did Claudius Lysias play in Paul’s life? Who plays the role of Claudius Lysias in your life?

  3. Who would you say are your accusers? What would be a good use of time while we wait for our accusers to state their case against us?

  4. Felix provided a safe place for Paul as he awaited trial. Who plays the role of Felix in our life? Where is our place of refuge or our safe place as we try to prepare for facing the adversities of life?

Luke 7:18-35

John the Baptist sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah? Jesus had just cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. Thus, Jesus told John’s disciples, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight (Isaiah 35:5), the lame walk (Isaiah 35:6), the lepers are cleansed (Leviticus 14:11), the deaf hear (Isaiah 35:5), the dead are raised (Isaiah 26:19), the poor have good news brought to them (Isaiah 61:1). And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." In essence, Jesus was letting the world know that he was not just verbally declaring himself the Messiah but that in a physical sense Jesus was carrying out the work of the Messiah. Jesus wanted everyone to know that true power is displayed in humble acts of sacred service and not so much in the spectacular displays of secular power. The difficult reality was that the focus of Jesus’ ministry was offensive to Jews who expected the Messiah to bring about political deliverance from Roman domination. Jesus understood this disappointment in the mind and heart of the Jews, and he attempted to draw their attention to the fact that John the Baptist was a messenger sent to prepare the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1). Those who had repented in preparation for the Messiah by receiving John’s baptism found it easy to receive what Jesus said. However, the religious leaders had little use for the demonstration of repentance in John’s baptism. Their hearts were hard towards John, so it was no surprise that they were also hard towards Jesus. In the end, Jesus warns those who reject his ministry and the ministry of John the Baptist.

  1. Do we feel free to raise the doubts and questions we have about our faith? Why or why not?

  2. What tangible ways do we see God at work in our life today?

  3. What kind of church do you feel reflects God’s heart more - 1) a church that focuses on humble acts of sacred service and provides for the basic needs of others, or 2) a church that focuses on spectacular displays that keep us entertained and give us what we want?

  4. How do secular desires influence the sacred nature of church life?

  5. Would the your lifestyle be described as - 1) preparing to embrace Jesus each day no matter the cost, or 2) rejecting Jesus due to a lack of time? Explain why you feel this way.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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