A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 63:7-14

This passage is often referred to as the prayer of the exiles. It declares God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness even in the midst of personal agony. The declaration is made that no matter how much spiritual distress that we face, God is always mighty to save us. A warning is given that those who rebel against God and grieve the Holy Spirit are at enmity of God and will be destroyed.

  1. What personal suffering are you going through?

  2. Are you able to declare God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness even in the midst of your personal struggles?

  3. How have you experienced God’s saving power?

  4. In what ways have you rebelled against God or grieved the Holy Spirit?

1 Timothy 1:18-2:8

In this passage, the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight, keep the faith and maintain a good conscience. Failing to do so will shipwreck our faith. Praying for those in high positions of power is the key to bringing about peace and dignity. Paul states that those in position of power must understand that there is only one God; one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus. Therefore, we must be united in Christ and refrain from losing our temper and escalating petty arguments.

  1. What challenge has been placed before you that you find daunting?

  2. What enables you to fight the good fight, keep the faith and maintain a good conscience?

  3. Has your faith even been shipwrecked?

  4. What is the responsibility of those in positions of power?

  5. Do you believe that all human power is subservient to a divine power? Why or why not?

  6. What causes us to lose our temper and escalate petty arguments?

Mark 11:12-26

This passage is a lesson on authenticity. The lesson is communicated through two symbols: 1) the fig tree, and 2) the temple. The fig tree is a symbol of false advertising (having leaves but no figs). The fig tree represented Israel who appeared to be holy but failed to produce any spiritual fruit. This is a rare example of a destructive miracle. The temple was supposed to represent a place where the holiness of God was encountered through prayer. Unfortunately, the temple had been turned into a den of robbers as those in power took advantage of the powerless by making them pay money in order to offer their prayer. Again, we see the use of destructive force as Jesus literally drives out from the temple those who were there for the wrong reasons. The chief priests and the scribes took offense at Jesus’ actions and looked for a way to kill him. However, Jesus assured the faithful that whatever they asked God for in prayer, they would receive it. No strings attached.

  1. Define authenticity?

  2. How does the symbol of the fig tree communicate the message of authenticity?

  3. How does the symbol of the temple communicate the message of authenticity?

  4. How authentic are you?

  5. What do you struggle with privately that those around might not know about?

  6. Do you believe that whatever you asked for in prayer you will receive? Why or why not?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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