A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 5:13-17, 24-25

This passage brings to our attention the suffering of God’s people. In a way you can say that they brought this disaster upon themselves. Because of their sinful ways, they have been displaced, and they are starving and thirsty. Without thinking through the choices they have made, they have misused their freedom and abused their power and authority. Therefore, God has cast them down and the house of death (Sheol) has opened its mouth wide to swallow those consumed with pride and arrogance. But the Lord of hosts is exalted by justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy by righteousness. These sinful people are rotten at their very root because they have rejected the instruction of the Lord and despised the word of God. Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against his own people, and he stretched out his hand against them and struck them; the mountains quaked, and their corpses were like refuse in the streets. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.

  1. Why do people suffer?

  2. What suffering are we going through right now?

  3. Are there choices that we have made that have brought this suffering upon us? Explain.

  4. In what ways have we misused our freedom and abused the power and authority given to us?

  5. How does our suffering affect God?

  6. Does our unholiness make God unholy? Explain.

  7. What instruction have we received from God that we have failed to obey?

  8. How much time should we be spending with the word of God? Are we spending enough time with the word of God? Why or why not?

  9. What signs from nature are inviting us to repent and return to holy living?

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

The Apostle Paul issues a letter which he requests be read to all those involved in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It guides our thinking on how we should approach not only the spiritual work we do but also the secular work that we are entrusted with. At the beginning of the letter, a comparison is drawn between those who work hard and those who are idlers. Paul exhorts us to respect those who work hard among us, who have charge over us, and who mentor us. We are called to hold them in high esteem and to love them deeply. As much as possible, we must strive to keep the peace wherever we are called to work. With regards to the idlers, Paul calls us to empathize with them and encourage them because they might be in a season of their life where they are physically weak, emotionally hurt, or spiritually lost. Understanding this, we must be patient with the idlers. We must not repay evil for evil, but instead seek to do good to all. No matter what struggles we face at work, we must rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. Do not let the work of the evil spirit frustrate you but be inspired by the work of the holy spirit. Do not believe everything you hear but use the holy scripture to test everything. Hold onto whatever is good, and reject whatever is bad. Trust that the God of peace will sanctify you as you discern his will for the workplace. There will be storms and struggles in the workplace but always place a priority on your mental, emotional and physical health. Remember that the one who calls you is faithful; he will see you through. Be steadfast in praying for your workplace and intentional about greeting all your coworkers with a holy kiss.

  1. What should be our approach to those who work hard among us, who have charge over us, and who mentor us?

  2. What should be our approach to idlers?

  3. Why might it be easier to repay evil for evil?

  4. Why is best practice to seek the good of all?

  5. Is it possible to rejoice in the midst of our struggles?

  6. How has the evil spirit frustrated you in the place where you work?

  7. Should we believe what we hear? Explain.

  8. What should we hold onto? What should we let go of?

  9. What might being sanctified in your workplace like?

  10. When was the last time you prayed for a coworker? What was that experience like?

Luke 21:29-38

This passage warns us to be on guard and to be alert. Such readiness comes through prayer - not a prayer life that is convenient but rather a prayer life that is inconvenient. It is clear from the passage that the followers of Jesus used to get up early in the morning just to listen to Jesus speak. Through prayer, we are able to discern the signs of the times. Jesus drives this point home by asking us to look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves we can see for ourselves and know that summer is already near. In a world where we are often wondering what is trending, Jesus wants us to understand that trends come and go. The one and only thing that is consistent and unchanging throughout time is the word of God. Therefore, do not become drunk with the worries of this life; do not let fear and anxiety trap us with our guard down. Prayer is the key to remaining not only sober but also in giving us the wisdom and strength to escape destructive forces.

  1. What is the key to remaining alert and being on guard?

  2. Is your prayer life convenient or inconvenient? Why?

  3. How has prayer helped you discern the best approach to your life situation?

  4. What is trending in your social circle today? In what way does this trend shape your life?

  5. Is the Bible trendy? Why or why not?

  6. Describe an experience in which you became drunk with the worries of this life?

  7. How has fear and anxiety affected you?

  8. What steps can you take going forward to improve your prayer life?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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