A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Malachi 1:1,6-14

In this passage, God declares his love for Israel but wonders why Israel does not respect him. God will expose and condemn the sacrifices that dishonor him but will show grace to those who repent and return to him.

  1. How have you dishonored God?

  2. In what ways have you corrupted the church or ruined fellowship with other believers?

  3. Describe how you have experienced God’s love and observed the wonders of his majesty.

James 3:13-4:12

This passage raises the question of who is wise and understanding. Heavenly wisdom is not mere head knowledge. Rather, wisdom from heaven shows us how to do good works and is the demonstration of a living faith. Worldly wisdom, on the other hand, is often rooted in bitter envy, selfish ambition and lies. It causes disorder and breeds wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and produces good fruits without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. Let it be known that a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor?

  1. Define wisdom.

  2. Would you consider yourself wise?

  3. What is the difference between heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom?

  4. Where do conflicts/disputes come from?

  5. What cravings are at war within us?

  6. In what practical ways have we sown peace in our community?

  7. Why is friendship with the world considered to be enmity with God?

  8. What is required of us before the devil will flee from us?

  9. Do we consider ourselves to be a doer of the law or a judge of the law? What is the difference?

  10. Who are we to judge our neighbor? 

Luke 17:11-19

Here we have the story of the ten lepers. Jesus encountered these lepers as he was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. The common identity as lepers has united them, and they together request Jesus to show mercy to them. Jesus instructs them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they went, they were made clean. Upon being made clean, they no longer viewed themselves as lepers and their common identity was no more. Each had to choose for themselves how they wanted to identify. Only one leper chose to identify as a child of God. That leper turned back, praised God with a loud voice, prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. This leper was a Samaritan (i.e. a foreigner). Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

  1. In the midst of what struggle have we encountered Jesus Christ?

  2. What was our identity before encountering Christ, and what is our identity now?

  3. In the Biblical passage, ten lepers were made clean but only one leper was made well. What is the difference between being made “clean” and being made “well”?

  4. What are we thankful for in life? How have we expressed our gratitude and to whom have we expressed it?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Deuteronomy 1:1-18 This passage contains the words that Moses spoke to all Israel as they were camped on the great plains of Moab, able to see across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This was the land of Canaan that God promised them but which they had not occupied for 400 years. This passage reminds us to be faithful and exhorts us to be prepared even then life is frustrating and confusing. God has a plan and purpose for our life even if we do not understand God’s ways. This passage also reveals Moses’ leadership style to us. He was willing to distribute the responsibility of leadership to others but did so only with the support of the people. It was not a dictatorship; it was a democracy. Each tribe was given freedom to choose individuals who were wise, discerning, and reputable among them to be their leaders. In what ways have we entrusted the responsibility of leadership to others? How have we failed to identify small group leaders ...
Read more
Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Ezekiel 4:1-17 This passage portrays a vivid and symbolic depiction of the prophet's obedience to God's commands. As we reflect on these verses, we are struck by the profound message of commitment and sacrifice. Through the actions of building a miniature model of Jerusalem's siege and lying on his side for an extended period, Ezekiel demonstrates his unwavering faith and willingness to bear the burdens of his people. This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when it requires discomfort or unconventional actions. It encourages us to ponder how we can wholeheartedly serve and fulfill God's purposes, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Which of God’s commands is hardest for you to follow and why? Describe a recent experience where you modeled commitment and sacrifice to a cause bigger than yourself. Does your faith ever waver? Why or why not? Have you ever found obedience to God to ...
Read more
Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings 2 Samuel 17:24-18:8 In this passage, the narrative unfolds with King David in a time of crisis. His trusted counselor Ahithophel betrayed him, siding with Absalom. Amidst the chaos, David's faith in God remained unwavering. His plea for divine guidance led to wise counsel from Hushai, which countered Ahithophel's advice. David's reliance on God's direction prevailed, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will even in dire circumstances. This passage underscores that no scheme against God's chosen can prosper when trust in His providence prevails. It's a reminder to steadfastly seek God's guidance in all decisions. Questions: How did David react to Ahithophel's betrayal? How do you typically respond to betrayal? Why did Hushai's counsel to Absalom prove pivotal? Name one person who you turn to for wise counsel? How does this passage reveal David's unwavering faith during crisis? Has you faith ev...
Read more