A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Habakkuk 3:1-10[11-15]16-18

This passage is a prayer of the prophet Habakkuk. The traditional formula for the structure of prayer “ACTS” (“A”doration, “C”onfession, “T”hanksgiving and “S”upplication) can be seen. The prayer begins with adoration of the Lord (stand in awe), moves to a spirit of confession (revive it) followed by absolution from the Lord (remember mercy). The prayer then proceeds to give thanks to God (earth was full of praise) and concludes with a supplication (you came forth to save your people, to save your anointed). Ultimately, Habakkuk inspires us to trust in the Lord no matter how daunting the storms of life might be: “I wait quietly for the day of calamity to come upon the people who attack us. Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.”

  1. Do you pray on a daily basis? If yes, then when do you usually pray and where? If no, then what keeps you from praying daily?

  2. How do you usually pray (i.e. keeling/sitting/standing, silent/loud, language, private/public, eyes open/closed, said/sung, etc.)?

  3. Does your prayer have structure? Explain.

  4. What does “ACTS” stand for, and why might following that structure enhance our prayer life?

  5. What daunting circumstances do you find yourself facing? What helps you face those challenges?

  6. Habakkuk says: “I wait silently…”. What does it mean to “wait” upon the Lord? Compare and contrast praying “quietly” to praying loudly.

James 3:1-12

This passage issues a warning to all teachers. While most of us are not teachers by profession, everything we do communicates our worldview to those around us. We constantly teach those around us by how we live our life. The choices we make, whether good or bad, set an example that others are invited to follow. In this light, all Christians are teachers that reflect their understanding of Christ through their thoughts, words and deeds. James argues that we should not take our role as teachers lightly for those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. He points out that we all make mistakes, and that we are not perfect teachers. However, we must do our best to keep ourselves in check with the bridle of God’s word or the rudder of holy scriptures to guide us. Even our most simple choices (i.e how we speak or post on social media) can bring about a world of iniquity. Our bad choices stain the whole body of Christ and set fire to hate that burns down mighty towers that were built with the very best intentions. Every creature on water, land and air has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame humans who are restless with evil and full of deadly poison. On one hand we teach others to bless the Lord, and on the other hand we make personal choices that curse God and those who are made in his likeness. A blessing and a curse should not issue forth from the same teacher. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salty water? Can a fig tree yield olives or a grapevine figs? Absolutely not! Then teach others not only in words but in deeds that bring glory to God.

  1. In what way can we consider ourselves to be teachers?

  2. What do our thoughts, words and deeds teach others about Christ?

  3. How have our bad choices caused trouble in the church?

  4. Why is it so difficult to tame human beings?

  5. Is it possible to be both a blessing and a curse? Explain.

Luke 17:1-10

In this passage Jesus warns us not to become a stumbling block for others. He says it would be better for us if a millstone were hung around our neck and we were thrown into the sea than for us to cause someone to stumble. He exhorts us to be on guard! The reality is that even the greatest Christian leader sins. We must, without reservation, rebuke the sin. If the leader repents, then we must forgive him. If the same leader sins seven times a day and repents seven times, then we must forgive him. This sounds like a hard thing to do, and the apostles knew this. That is why they asked Christ to increase their faith. The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” Do not take this to mean that when we are faithful we are entitled to a reward from God for we have only done what we ought to have done.

  1. How have we been a stumbling block to others knowingly or unknowingly?

  2. Do we regularly reflect on our behavior to ensure that we avoid becoming a stumbling block to others? What does this personal reflection entail?

  3. Why is it hard to forgive a repeat offender?

  4. Has your faith ever decreased? Explain.

  5. What does increasing our faith mean? Give a specific example.

  6. Do we feel entitled to a reward because of our faithfulness? What does God say about this and why?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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