A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 44:9-20

This passage is a harsh rebuke on the practice of idolatry. In a Christian context, idolatry can be defined as an extreme admiration, love or reverence for something or someone other than Jesus Christ. Isaiah clearly drives home the message that all who make idols and those who worship them do not make the most of their life. In fact, they will be put to shame when they realize that these idols are not able to engage with them on a heart (behavioral), mind (cognitive) or soul (emotional) level. Why then worship idols?

  1. With what and/or with whom do you spend more time with than you spend with Jesus Christ? How have these become unintended idols in your life?

  2. Do you personally believe that it is idolatry to admire or love anything or anyone more than you love Jesus Christ? Why or why not?

  3. What secular idols are being made and sold in mainstream society today (think outside the box)?

  4. Read the Bible passage carefully (especially vv.12-17) and explain how those who make idols invalidate the very idols they make.

  5. Name one thing that influences how you behave? Name one thing that influences how you think? Name one thing that influences how you feel? Are these influencers helping you live your best life now or are they hurting your chances at finding true joy and lasting peace?

  6. Have you seen Jeus, spoke to Jesus, or physically interacted with Jesus? Is Jesus an idol? Explain.

  7. Do you believe that all roads (religions) lead to a strong relationship with Jesus and with those around you? Why or why not?

Ephesians 4:17-32

Paul suggests that those who chase after worldly pleasures have futile minds and a darkened understanding. They are alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. They have lost all sensitivity and have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Paul argues that this is not the way that we learned from Christ! We have no excuse because we have heard about Jesus and have been taught about Jesus. We know the truth but the question is do we embrace it or disregard it? Embracing the truth of Jesus Christ demands that we put away our former way of life, our old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts. The truth of Jesus Christ insists that we be renewed in the spirit of our minds and clothe ourselves with a new sense of self - a self created in the likeness of God which reflects righteousness and holiness. So then, if we truly desire a relationship with God and with others, then let us put away falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbors. Our anger must not lead us to sin. Never let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Do not steal; rather, work honestly so that you might share with the needy. Do not use foul language; rather, speak only what is useful for building up. Remember that your words must bestow grace upon those who hear you speak. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by leading others astray from Jesus Christ. Do not become consumed with bitterness, anger or slander; rather, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

  1. What worldly things have you spent pointless time and energy on? Has this darkened your understanding of reality?

  2. Why is it so easy to remain in a state of ignorance as opposed to working towards a state of wisdom?

  3. In what areas of your life have you lost all sensitivity, and abandoned yourself to licentiousness, greediness, and impure living?

  4. Have you heard about Jesus and been taught about Jesus? If not, then please contact a Christian leader for more information. If yes, then how does what you have heard about Jesus and been taught about Jesus shape how you live your life?

  5. Why are we tempted to disregard the truth for a lie?

  6. What does embracing the truth demand of us?

  7. If we are guided by the truth, then what will be reflected in our life?

  8. Describe a moment when your anger caused you to do something that you later regretted.

  9. Do you let the sun go down on your anger? Explain.

  10. What is one simple thing you can do today to align yourself more with how Jesus would live?

Mark 3:19b-35

This passage highlights the need to bind the strong influences of Satan in our life. Judas failed to rebuke Satan and, as a result, wound up betraying Jesus. Jesus focused on destroying Satan’s stronghold in his life and in the life of the community. People witnessed how powerfully Jesus attacked Satan and how he liberated those who were enslaved by sin. Jesus could have become swept away in the ocean of praises that people offered him. He had become so famous that he and his disciples could not even eat due to the crowds that came together. This reality points to the fact that peer pressure (positive or negative) can literally keep us from doing the basic things involved with selfcare. The increase in notoriety led some people to suggest that Jesus was out of his mind, and they even went as far as to suggest that Jesus was under the influence of a destructive power. When Jesus’ family heard about this, they went out to restrain him. However, Jesus was not phased by the worldly pressure or even the expectations placed on him by his earthly family. Instead, Jesus addressed the situation by speaking to the crowd in parables. Jesus wanted everyone to understand that they had a choice: 1) stand with Jesus or 2) stand with the devil. There was no middle ground. Jesus knew that he could not possibly be under the influence of Satan if he was rebuking Satan and destroying Satan’s strongholds. As Jesus put it, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.” Jesus leaves them with a strong message that whoever does the will of God is his family, and that those who do not fight against Satan belong to the family of Satan. In essence, you are either with me or against me. Pick your side.

  1. What harmful influences have we permitted to enter our life?

  2. What specific steps have we taken to bind Satan’s influence in our life?

  3. What community initiatives have we partnered with in an attempt to destroy Satan’s stronghold in our community?

  4. How can our powerful participation in social justice and equality efforts bring us bad publicity and make us look insane and rebellious in the eyes of others?

  5. In what ways have familial expectations and pressures tempted us to withdraw from righteous causes that we truly felt passionate about?

  6. How are you standing with Jesus today?

  7. Give an example of how you have stood with the devil in the past or present?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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