A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 48:12-21

In this passage the Lord declares his eternal power: “I am He; I am the first, and I am the last. My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand at attention.” It was no secret - Israel was in the midst of a spiritual warfare (Babylon / Chaldeans). God was Israel’s general. He had trained Israel for battle and provided Israel a strategic battle plan. If Israel obeyed God’s commands, then Israel would be victorious. God exhorts Israel to go forward in faith and even inspires them to joyfully declare victory in advance.

  1. How do you see God’s power reflected in creation?

  2. When God summoned them, heaven and earth stood at attention. What implication does this have for your life?

  3. In what way has God taught you about life and trained you for the battles you have faced?

  4. What is God commanding you to do today? How willing are you to obey God’s command?

  5. Describe a time when you envisioned victory while still in the midst of battling something scary in your life?

  6. How has your faith played a role in helping you see beyond your immediate crisis?

Galatians 1:18-2:10

In this passage Paul goes to great length to prove that the gospel message he shared was not a lie. It is understandable that those who heard Paul preach would initially doubt his credibility. After all, Paul had previously been known for persecuting the church. Why would he now proclaim the faith that he once tried so hard to destroy. Those who were open to Paul’s preaching glorified God because of the transformation Paul had experienced. Paul’s testimony pushed the boundaries of what it meant to be a Christian because it was a gospel that invited not only Jews but also Gentiles into the body of Christ. Paul was not running away from this radical message. On the contrary, he leaned into this liberating message of the gospel. The gospel that Paul preached did not compel its listeners to fit into a box. Rather, it focused on the freedom we all have in Christ Jesus. Paul did not submit, even for a moment, to the pressures of conformity. Instead, he was willing to die in order to protect and proclaim the liberating truth of the gospel. Paul made it very clear that he was not swayed by those in power, and that he was not going to pick a side for he knew that God showed no partiality. What mattered, at the end of the day, was that all sides come together, extend the right hand of fellowship to each other, and, with one heart, eagerly commit to serving the needs of the poor.

  1. What lies have you told others?

  2. What about your life would make others doubt your credibility?

  3. How have you been guilty of persecuting those different from you?

  4. What have you tried to build up that you once tried so hard to destroy?

  5. Describe a moment of transformation in your own life? What changed and why?

  6. Would you describe yourself as a Christian conformist or a Christian that pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a Christian? Explain why you describe yourself this way.

  7. What group of people have you condemned in that past that God is calling you today to accept and acknowledge as being part of the body of Christ - the church?

  8. Detail one incident where you rejected someone who was different from you?

  9. Detail one incident where you unconditionally accepted someone who was different from you?

  10. How have your thoughts, words and deeds been reflective of you running away from the radical message of the gospel?

  11. How is the gospel message liberating? Be specific.

  12. In what way has your faith community demanded that people fit into a box?

  13. In what way is your faith community diverse?

  14. Why is it so tempting to submit to pressures of conformity?

  15. To what extent are you ready to go in order to defend the liberating truth of the gospel?

  16. Are you a Republican or Democrat? Why?

  17. Whose job is it to serve the needs of the poor?

Mark 6:1-13

The themes of rejection and repentance are highlighted in this passage. Jesus not only is rejected in his hometown, but he is also amazed at their unbelief. He feels strongly that there is a need for people to repent and return to God. With this backdrop, Jesus calls the twelve disciples and begins to send them out two by two. He gives them authority over the unclean spirits. He orders them to take only the bare essentials for their journey. The disciples are expected not only to trust in God providence but also to remain humble in places where they are not accepted. Christ has modeled this for them, and now they must model this for others. Their primary agenda is twofold - 1) preach repentance, and 2) relieve the suffering of God’s children.

  1. What has been your experience of being rejected by others?

  2. Have you forgiven those who have rejected you?

  3. Why is it so important to forgive those who have hurt us?

  4. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out two by two instead of by themselves individually?

  5. What unclean practices do you see around you? How have you expressed your God given authority over such unclean practices?

  6. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to only take the bare essentials with them for their journey?

  7. List 5 bare essentials that you would take with you on a 3 day walk?

  8. Describe an experience where you felt unaccepted in a public space?

  9. How are you actively involved in relieving the suffering of God’s children?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Deuteronomy 1:1-18 This passage contains the words that Moses spoke to all Israel as they were camped on the great plains of Moab, able to see across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This was the land of Canaan that God promised them but which they had not occupied for 400 years. This passage reminds us to be faithful and exhorts us to be prepared even then life is frustrating and confusing. God has a plan and purpose for our life even if we do not understand God’s ways. This passage also reveals Moses’ leadership style to us. He was willing to distribute the responsibility of leadership to others but did so only with the support of the people. It was not a dictatorship; it was a democracy. Each tribe was given freedom to choose individuals who were wise, discerning, and reputable among them to be their leaders. In what ways have we entrusted the responsibility of leadership to others? How have we failed to identify small group leaders ...
Read more
Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Ezekiel 4:1-17 This passage portrays a vivid and symbolic depiction of the prophet's obedience to God's commands. As we reflect on these verses, we are struck by the profound message of commitment and sacrifice. Through the actions of building a miniature model of Jerusalem's siege and lying on his side for an extended period, Ezekiel demonstrates his unwavering faith and willingness to bear the burdens of his people. This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when it requires discomfort or unconventional actions. It encourages us to ponder how we can wholeheartedly serve and fulfill God's purposes, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Which of God’s commands is hardest for you to follow and why? Describe a recent experience where you modeled commitment and sacrifice to a cause bigger than yourself. Does your faith ever waver? Why or why not? Have you ever found obedience to God to ...
Read more
Image
A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings 2 Samuel 17:24-18:8 In this passage, the narrative unfolds with King David in a time of crisis. His trusted counselor Ahithophel betrayed him, siding with Absalom. Amidst the chaos, David's faith in God remained unwavering. His plea for divine guidance led to wise counsel from Hushai, which countered Ahithophel's advice. David's reliance on God's direction prevailed, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will even in dire circumstances. This passage underscores that no scheme against God's chosen can prosper when trust in His providence prevails. It's a reminder to steadfastly seek God's guidance in all decisions. Questions: How did David react to Ahithophel's betrayal? How do you typically respond to betrayal? Why did Hushai's counsel to Absalom prove pivotal? Name one person who you turn to for wise counsel? How does this passage reveal David's unwavering faith during crisis? Has you faith ev...
Read more