A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 51:17-23

In this passage Jerusalem wakes up to the reality of God’s wrath. There is no one to guide Jerusalem; there is no one to take Jerusalem by the hand. Devastation, destruction, famine and sword have befallen Jerusalem. There is no one to comfort Jerusalem.

  1. Have you ever come to the awareness that you royally screwed things up?

  2. How bad have things ever gotten for you?

  3. Who comforted you when it felt that everything that could go wrong in your life did go wrong?

  4. Do you believe in an angry God? Why or why not?

  5. Do you believe in a jealous God? Why or why not? 

Galatians 4:1-11

In this passage we see the themes: heirs, slaves, grace, and law. We are heirs to the Kingdom of God but what good is being an heir if we are still minors under the authority of someone else. That someone else is the authority of the world. The argument is made that although we are heirs, we are but slaves if we permit the elemental spirits of the world to enslave us and have authority over us as if we were minors. We must understand that when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son to redeem us by grace who were under the authority of the world - the law. If we embrace our freedom in Christ, then we truly become legitimate heirs of the Kingdom of God. In the past, we did not know God, and we were enslaved to the idols of this world. However, now that we have come to know God, why would we turn back to being enslaved by worldly authority and begging idols for mercy? When we set apart time to observe special days, months, seasons, and years, we must be careful not to cast Christ away from the center of our observances for such an immature decision will lead to us wasting the good life that God has given us.

  1. What does being an heir to the Kingdom of God mean to you?

  2. What worldly idol has more authority over you than Christ?

  3. In what specific way have you embraced your freedom in Christ? What does this practically look like in your life?

  4. Is it possible to ‘lose your salvation’? Explain.

  5. Where is Christ in your life? Is he at the center or has Chris been cast to the side as an afterthought?

Mark 7:24-37

In this passage we have two examples of the healing power of Jesus that are both wrapped up in a shroud of secrecy. Both occurrences of healing have a secretive dimension to them. In the first healing, we see the phrase - “He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there.” In the second healing, we see two phrases - “He took him aside in private, away from the crowd” and “Jesus ordered them to tell no one”.  Scholars often refer to this phenomena as the Messianic Secret. The Messianic Secret is a motif in the Gospel of Mark, in which Jesus is portrayed as commanding his followers to maintain silence about his Messianic mission. The first healing occurs when a woman begs Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter. We are told that the woman was a Gentile. This detail is important considering that Jesus was a Jew. This may explain Jesus’ initial response to the woman, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." This woman could have easily given up hope and returned home dejected. Yet, she answered Jesus, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." In uttering that statement of faith, the woman’s daughter was healed. The second healing occurs near Tyre and Sidon - an area known for wickedness. It is here that a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment was brought before Jesus. Jesus touched the man and healed him.

  1. Have you experienced healing in a personal way? Describe the healing.

  2. Why might someone desire secrecy surrounding their healing either before the healing, in the midst of healing or after the healing occurs?

  3. What is “The Messianic Secret”?

  4. First healing:

    • Why is it important to note that the first healing involved a Gentile woman?

    • Why might it be significant to note that Jesus healed the daughter by his word without even going to her home?

  5. Second healing:

    • Why is it important to note that the second healing occurred near Tyre and Sidon?

    • Why might it be significant to note that Jesus healed the man by physically touching him?

  6. Have you ever prayed for something but then given up hope and abandoned the prayer feeling dejected? Explain.

  7. Does God always answer prayer? If so, then on what time schedule does God answer prayer? If not, then what makes you feel this way?

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