A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 11:10-16

This passage describes a new exodus during the reign of the Messiah. The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the sea of Egypt; and will wave his hand over the river with his scorching wind; and will split it into seven channels, and make a way to cross on foot. There shall be a highway just as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt. The Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people. He will assemble the outcasts and gather the dispersed from the four corners of the earth. On that day, jealousy shall depart and hostility shall be cut off. The people shall swoop down in victory; they will put forth their hand and the world will obey them.

  1. What impossible challenge are you facing today?

  2. Do you believe that God has the ability to help you overcome this challenge?

  3. Have you asked God to make a way for you to move forward in life?

  4. How might the experience of the Israelities exodus from Egypt give us hope in challenging times?

  5. Have you experienced jealousy and hostility lately? Describe the situation and how it made you feel?

  6. Who might be considered outcasts and dispersed today? How can we assemble them together and gather them into the abundant life of the church?

Revelation 20:11-21:8

This passage paints a picture of the final judgment before the great white throne, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth. Two things are very clear: 1) God alone sits on the throne, and 2) everyone will stand before God’s throne in judgment. The book of life will be opened and it will reveal all the thoughts, words and deeds of our life. On this day, there will be no place to hide as earth and heaven will flee from God’s presence. Death and Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire as well as anyone whose name is not found written in the book of life. After the judgment, a new heaven and a new earth shall be created for the first heaven and first earth will have passed away. The glorified church (bride) and the glorified Christ (bridegroom) will be revealed as the great wedding feast takes place. This marriage will unfold within a new home (the new Jerusalem). God longs for us to be with him in this new home. However, we have a choice in the matter. Those who chose to be faithful will find themselves at home with God but those who choose to be unfaithful will be lost in hell. Heed therefore the voice from the throne, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. See, I am making all things new." Whether we believe it or not, God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty God gives water from the spring of the water of life. Those who remain faithful will be acknowledged as the children of God and inherit God’s blessings. But as for the unfaithful, their place will be in the lake of fire.

  1. Who sits on the throne in your personal life - you, someone else or God? Explain.

  2. If the book of life were to be read to you right now, then what would it reveal about your thoughts, words and deeds? Would you be considered faithful or unfaithful? Explain.

  3. Why do you think the old heavens and earth must pass away?

  4. At what point will death be no more? What might this mean for the faithful who have departed?

  5. What do you thirst for? What are your plans to quench your thirst? How might the spring of the water of life satisfy your thirst?

Luke 1:5-25

This passage brings us the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God and obeyed the commandments of the Lord. Although they had wanted children, Elizabeth was barren. They found themselves growing old, and the hope of having children seemed impossible. Once when Zechariah was serving as priest in the sanctuary and offering incense, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said - "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Understandably, this angelic announcement seemed too good to be true and Zechariah said to the angel, "How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years." The angel replied, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur." When Zechariah came out from the sanctuary, the people noticed that he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. Eventually, Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth conceived.

  1. What does it mean to be righteous?

  2. Is there a difference between happiness and joy?

  3. Does being righteous guarantee us a happy life? Explain.

  4. Do you think that God gives us whatever we pray for? Why or why not?

  5. What have you prayed for that does not seem possible anymore?

  6. How might the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth impact our commitment to prayer?

  7. Has God ever surprised you with an answer to a prayer request? Describe the situation and reflect on how the surprise affected you.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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