A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 45:5-17

This passage foreshadows the coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) through the arrival of King Cyrus the Messiah who conquers Babylon and liberates the Jews from captivity. Just as the nation of Israel looked to Cyrus for their earthly salvation, the world will look to Christ for heavenly salvation. This passage points out that creation itself testifies of God’s saving power. If creation can speak of God’s salvation, then how much more should we declare our redemption. Let us not focus on the problem of our temporal scarcity but rather on the solution of God’s eternal abundance. God who created the deepest oceans and highest mountains out of nothing will surely create abundance out of our scarcity. Just as God raised Cyrus to make a way for his people Israel, God will make all our paths straight. God told Israel, “The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, tall of stature, shall come over to you and be yours.” Similarly, God will bless us if we remain faithful.

  1. Explain how King Cyrus foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

  2. What earthly hell do you currently find yourself in? What would need to happen for you to escape your current predicament?

  3. What is the difference between earthly salvation and heavenly salvation?

  4. In what ways are you looking to Christ for heavenly salvation?

  5. State 3 ways you see God’s glory reflected in nature?

  6. What is holding you captive?

  7. Why might it be hard to declare our redemption while we are still in captivity?

  8. Do you find yourself focusing more on the problem of temporal scarcity or on the solution of God’s eternal abundance? Explain.

  9. Is it possible to create abundance out of scarcity. Why or why not?

  10. Do you believe that God will bless you if you remain faithful? Why or why not?

Ephesians 5:15-33

This passage warns us to be careful how we live, not as unwise people but as wise. This means making the most of our time because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Do not be foolish by living how you want. Rather, in wisdom, seek the Lord’s will for your life. Do not get drunk with wine. Rather, be filled with the Spirit through the singing of God’s praises. Give thanks to God at all times. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. We must love one another, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for the church. Those who love others, love themselves. It is a profound mystery but it is true nevertheless that God can reconcile two people or two communities that are so different.

  1. Define wisdom.

  2. Do you consider yourself to be wise or unwise?

  3. Draw circle pie graph and notate how you generally spend your time each day. How much of your time is wasted? How much of your time is purposeful?

  4. What does this phrase mean to you: “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”?

  5. Why might singing God’s praises cause us to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

  6. Is drinking alcohol a sin? If so, then what Biblical passage supports your thinking. If not, then why do people drink?

  7. How should our reverence for Christ manifest itself in our relationship with one another?

  8. What model should we use to help us understand what a loving relationship looks like?

  9. Why is it so important to love others?

  10. Do you know of anyone who hates themself?

  11. How does God reconcile two people or two communities that are so different?

Mark 4:21-34

How foolish would it be to light a lamp only to hide it under a bushel basket? It would make more sense to place it on a lampstand. Truth is not meant to be hidden but disclosed. Any small secret will eventually come to light. Therefore, do not hijack the truth of God’s word. Instead, give it freely to those looking for the truth. What we give in small measure, we shall receive in big ways. The one who plants a tiny seed expects that the seed will sprout, grow and bear fruit. When the time is ripe, you will reap a harvest. The smallest action can have the biggest result. Look at a mustard seed. When sown upon the ground, it is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade. Therefore be truthful and faithful in the small things, and you will experience big blessings.

  1. What truth are you hiding from the world?

  2. What is the worst that could happen if you shared your truth with others?

  3. How have we been guilty of hijacking the truth of God’s word?

  4. Is there someone in your family/friend circle that wants to share truth with you but is afraid to?

  5. What small gesture can you do today to make a big impact on life of someone else?

  6. How does a mustard seed help us understand the reality that being faithful and truthful in small things will help us experience big blessings?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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