A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 41:17-29

This passage acknowledges the plight of the poor and needy but offers a word of hope by assuring us that God has abundant resources. He will answer the prayers of the poor and needy and will never forsake them. Isaiah vividly describes the ways God will provide for his people. Everyone will see and know and all will consider and understand that the hand of the Lord takes care of his children. God reminds the world of his faithfulness in the past, his mercy in the present, and his grace for the future. He challenges the doubters and their gods. God makes the bold statement that all other gods are nothing, and that whoever worships other gods is an abomination.

  1. Where are the poor and needy today? Do we see them, hear them, speak to them, or interact with them?

  2. What word of hope do you have for the poor and needy? Is our word supported by our actions?

  3. Describe the ways that your church has provided for the poor and needy?

  4. What would someone outside of your church (a complete stranger) say about your faith community?

  5. How have you personally experienced God's faithfulness, mercy and grace?

  6. This Bible passage states: “Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be afraid and terrified. You, indeed, are nothing and your work is nothing at all; whoever chooses you is an abomination.” How does this statement make you feel?

    1. Do you personally believe that all other gods are nothing? Explain.

    2. Do you feel that whoever worships other gods is an abomination? Why or why not?

Ephesians 2:11-22

This passage addresses the difference between the Jews (“the circumcision”) and the Gentiles (“the uncircumcision”) but then highlights the common salvation that both groups have in Jesus Christ. All those who were once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Our differences must not divide us. Rather, in Christ different groups come together as one. Christ breaks down the dividing wall of hostility and creates in himself one new humanity. In Christ all people of diverse backgrounds are reconciled to God in one body through the cross. We have all access to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should not treat one another as strangers and aliens for we all share fellowship with the saints and together are members of the household of God. This household has been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. In Jesus Christ we are joined together, grow together, and bear fruit together for the glory of God.

  1. What different groups are you aware of today? What makes them different from you?

  2. Have you ever felt out of place in a crowd of people (maybe even in a church)? Why did you feel this way?

  3. Do you feel there are more differences among people or do you feel there are commonalities? Explain why you feel this way.

  4. What is the difference between being “different” and being “divided”? Is there a place in the church for both? Why or why not?

  5. What is the dividing wall of hostility in our society today?

  6. How does God reconcile people of diverse backgrounds?

  7. How does the Holy Spirit help us access God?

  8. Would a complete stranger from outside our faith community feel welcomed if they visited our church or would they leave feeling like an alien? Explain.

  9. What does it mean to share fellowship with the saints? How does this reality impact your worship life?

  10. What is the foundation of the church and why?

  11. What is the cornerstone of the church and why?

  12. List three things that being in Christ inspires us to do.

Mark 2:1-12

In this passage we find Jesus embroiled in controversy. Four people had brought a paralyzed man to Christ in hopes of being healed. Unfortunately, these four people could not bring the leper to Jesus because of the crowd. Instead of letting their frustration get the best of them, they leaned on their faith and found a way to get the paralyzed man to Jesus. They removed the roof above Jesus. Then after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." The religious leaders had no issue with Jesus healing people but how in the world did Jesus have the audacity to forgive someone their sins. The controversial question before everyone was whether or not Jesus had the authority to forgive sins. The religious leaders felt that Jesus did not have the authority but Jesus begged to differ. Jesus not only absolved the paralyzed man of his sins but also physically healed him.

  1. What controversy do you see in the church today?

  2. What obstacles have you placed before those who long to see Jesus?

  3. Have you ever felt frustrated by the obstacles of life? What enabled you to move forward?

  4. How have you leaned on faith to overcome the obstacles that were before you?

  5. What is the difference between ‘confession’ and ‘absolution’? Who can absolve sins?

  6. Have you ever experienced physical healing? If so, then give details about what this experience was like.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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