A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 40:25-31

This passage offers comfort and strength for God’s people. We are reminded of God’s greatness and that he is Lord of all creation. There is no other god that is comparable or equal to the God of Israel. God does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

  1. In what area of your life do you need comfort and strength?

  2. How do you plan to respond to the struggle in your life?

  3. Do you realize that God is great and that he is Lord of all creation? How might this realization guide you through the storms of life?

  4. As you wait for an answer to your problem, reflect on how the actual process of waiting might renew your strength?

  5. Can you envision a time when your struggle will be behind you and the storm will have passed? What does that time look like to you? How will things be different for you?

Ephesians 1:15-23

Believe it or not - God has a plan for your life. This is the message that the Apostle Paul was trying to communicate to the church at Ephesus. Paul had heard of their faith but was cognisant of their struggles. Paul assured the faithful that he was praying for them, and he expressed how thankful he was for them. He exhorts them to enlighten the eyes of their heart and to hold onto the hope to which God has called them to. After all, it is through Christ’s death and resurrection that they became beneficiaries of the glorious inheritance of the Kingdom of God and recipients of the immeasurable power of God. Take comfort in knowing that Christ is above all and head over all things especially the church which is his body.

  1. What area of your life is not currently going according to plan?

  2. Do you believe that God has a plan for your life? Why or why not? If you do believe, then how might this belief bring you comfort in the midst of an uncomfortable situation?

  3. How does the light of the gospel enlighten your eyes and reinstill hope in your life?

  4. In what ways has your church community comforted you in a time of spiritual distress?

Mark 1:14-28

In this passage, we see Jesus calling four disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Jesus invited them to repent and to receive the good news. He astounded them with the authority of his teaching. It is in this context that a man with an unclean spirit approached Jesus and cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." We are told that Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" An unclean spirit began to convulse him, cried out with a loud voice, and then came out of him. Those who witnessed this were amazed at Christ’s authority. After this, Jesus’ fame spread throughout the people.

  1. The four disciples were called in the midst of their normal routine. What extraordinary call has God made on you in the midst of your ordinary life?

  2. What have we repented of?

  3. What is the good news that we receive as disciples of Christ?

  4. What gives the gospel its authority?

  5. What unclean habits in our life do we need to get rid of?

  6. How can embrace Christ’s authority help us let go of unclean thoughts, words and deeds in our life?

  7. In what specific ways is your church community known in your local neighborhood?

  8. Would your neighborhood notice if your church were to close or shut down? What might your answer suggest?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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