A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 52:7-10

This passage exhorts us to fear God, not man. It beckons us to wake up to the power and greatness of God. Beautiful are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, and who announces salvation. Therefore we lift up our voices and sing for the Lord has comforted and redeemed us.

  1. What person strikes fear in you and why?

  2. Why does our fear of man overwhelm us at times?

  3. How might a genuine fear of God help us not to fear man?

  4. What makes God powerful and great in your opinion?

  5. Name 3 people in your life who speak peace into your life, who help you see the good in life, and who guide you in seeking solutions as opposed to complaining about problems.

Revelation 21:22-27

This passage highlights the role of the Lamb in the new heaven, new earth and new Jerusalem.  In this new city, there is no temple for the Lamb of God (body of Christ the church) is the temple. The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. Christians, from all over the world, whose name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, will bring the light of Christ into the new city. Nothing that opposes Christ’s light will enter into the new city.

  1. How is Jesus doing something new in your life?

  2. In what ways do you experience the light of Christ in the midst of your darkest moments?

  3. Do you believe that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life? Why or why not?

  4. Name a situation in which you opposed the light of Christ either intentionally or unintentionally. What was the result of that situation?

Matthew 12:14-21

This passage unfolds in a context where the religious leaders are opposing Jesus. We are told that the Pharisees went out and conspired against Jesus, how to destroy him. Instead of stooping to the level of the Pharisees, Jesus withdrew from their presence, led the people by his life example and brought about healing for those who were suffering.

  1. Name those who you feel are actively opposing the church today and who constantly grumble and complain about others.

  2. How have you personally been guilty of opposing the work of the church?

  3. What three things did Jesus do to respond to the evil plot of the Pharisees against his life?

  4. What are your thoughts about how Jesus responded to the problematic situation?

  5. In  your opinion, what is the key to transforming a destructive problem into a creative possibility?

Collect - The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth:  Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Click here for: Holy Mass for the Epiphany of the Lord - Pope Francis

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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