A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 59:15b-21

This passage describes a community where truth is lacking, justice is nowhere to be found, and no one is willing to intervene on behalf of those who suffer. Evenstill, God brings forth victory and upholds righteousness. God will repay people according to their deeds. The world will fear the name of the Lord, and God will be glorified. The spirit of God’s word will never be overcome or destroyed but will remain forever.

  1. Where is truth lacking in our society today?

  2. Where do you find justice in our world today?

  3. When have you intervened on behalf of someone who was suffering?

  4. How has God granted you victory when the enemy attacked you?

  5. What level of confidence do you have in the spirit of God’s word? Why? 

2 Timothy 1:15-2:13

This passage offers a word of hope. It begins with praising the household of Onesiphorus because it was a place where Paul felt refreshed and welcomed. We then see Paul warning Timothy about the obstacles that he will face in preaching the good news of Christ. Paul urges Timothy to remain strong and focused like a good soldier. Timothy is reminded by Paul that even if they personally end up being chained like a criminal, the word of God is not chained. Therefore, God’s servants must be prepared to endure everything so that others can obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Finally, Paul offers a choice to Timothy: 1) be faithful to God because God is faithful, or 2) deny God, and risk being denied by God.

  1. What word of hope is God bringing to you today?

  2. When people visit your home do they feel refreshed and welcomed?

  3. What obstacles have you faced in trying to share the good news of Christ?

  4. What steps can you take to remain strong and focused in our spiritual life?

  5. How have the chains of worldly pressure bound you, and how does the word of God release you from those chains?

  6. Are you prepared to endure everything so that others can obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus? Why or why not?

  7. In what area of your life have you denied God’s reign and absolute authority?

Mark 10:1-16

This passage addresses the topic of divorce. Pharisees asked Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus points that from the beginning of creation God joined man and woman in holy matrimony and that divorce is caused by a hardness of heart. Jesus suggests that divorce would not happen if our hearts were pure like little children. Children, Jesus argues, are closer to the kingdom of God because of the purity of their heart.

  1. What broken relationships are there in your life?

  2. How has the hardness of your heart contributed to the breakdown in relationships?

  3. Do you have the humility and purity of heart that little children have? Why or why not?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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