A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 60:1-17

This passage addresses the glorious light of God that breaks through the darkness of evil. The proclamation is given, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” This light is not only for Israel but for the whole world. “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” God is viewed as the “Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob” who breaks the curse of sin and gives birth to the blessing of salvation. In response to God’s redeeming work, even the Gentiles come and offer gifts of gold and frankincense. Might this be a possible foreshadowing of the gifts that the wisemen offered Jesus (see Matthew 2:11)? Children, who were once far away, are brought near. These children bring gifts of silver and gold as they return. While silver and gold are great gifts, they do not compare with the blessing of the children of God being in the presence of God the Father again (see Acts 3:6). The point is clearly driven home that in God’s wrath He can and will strike us down for our sinful ways. Yet, if we repent and return to God, then God, in His grace, will have mercy on us and reestablish peace and righteousness among us.

  1. What dark season are you going through currently?

  2. Are you able to see God’s light breaking through the darkness? Why or why not?

  3. If you have experienced the light of God in the past, how did that light impact your relationships with those around you?

  4. What gifts have you offered to God for redeeming you?

  5. Was there ever a time when you felt spiritually lost? Explain what that was like.

  6. How did you find your way back to God, and what advice would you give to someone who is currently lost spiritually?

  7. Assuming that God’s love is unconditional, are there really consequences for our unhealthy choices? What consequences have you had to face as a result of bad choices?

  8. Have you personally discovered deep peace? If not, then how do you find such peace? If you have, then please describe what this peace feels like.

2 Timothy 2:14-26

In this passage Paul offers advice to the young pastor Timothy. First, Paul reminds Timothy to not sweat the small staff and focus instead on the most important things. Timothy is told to avoid petty fights caused by stupid and senseless controversies, to refrain from foul language, to shun youthful passions, to present himself to God as one approved by God, to pursue with a pure heart the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and to lean on the word of truth which is a firm foundation. When we intentionally choose to discipline ourselves by coming under the control of the Holy Spirit, we stand a better chance that our enemies will come to repent and know Christ Jesus. After all, our purpose in life is to help one another escape from the snare of the devil and free each other from being held captive by evil. Let us focus on this most important thing.

  1. What advice has someone given you found extremely helpful?

  2. What advice have you given someone that changed their approach to life?

  3. Describe a time when you got tangled in a petty fight that was so stupid and senseless? What caused the fight? Why do you feel this fight was stupid and senseless?

  4. Give a few examples of what foul language is.

  5. Have you ever used foul language before - why or why not?

  6. How does it make you feel when others use foul language around you?

  7. What would be your reaction if a Deacon, Priest or Bishop used foul language?

  8. What are ‘youthful passions’, and why should you avoid them?

  9. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23), and what does it mean to come under the control of the Holy Spirit (see John 16:13 and Philippians 4:8)?

  10. What should you want for your enemies? Why do you feel this way?

  11. What is the purpose of your life?

Mark 10:17-31

This passage brings us the story of a man ruined by his riches. The man respected Jesus. This is evidenced by the man referring to Jesus as “Good Teacher”. The man had obeyed all the religious commandments but still felt that something was missing in his life. He asked Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The Bible tells us that Jesus looked at him, loved him, and bluntly told him that the problem was not with ‘what’ he was doing but ‘why’ he was doing it. “WHAT” the man was doing was correct on paper. “WHY” the man was doing it was for all the wrong reasons. Instead of selfishly worrying about his own personal salvation (as if it was something to be bought and sold or hoarded), the man needed to have a genuine concern for the poor and needy. The unfortunate reality was that while Jesus truly loved this man, the man did not love Jesus enough to give up everything and follow Jesus in caring for the poor and needy. It is in this light that we are given one of the most poignant reminders that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. No amount of time, talent or treasure can save us. Only God can save us. The man in this passage did not understand this simple concept, and so he made a choice to hold onto his possessions and let go of Christ. The result was a life of grief and sorrow. The moral of the story is that real salvation begins with freeing ourselves from a love of worldly possessions and following Christ in full surrender. Be confident that any sacrifice we make for the Kingdom of God will be rewarded. It is in giving our life away that we receive the only life worth having.

  1. Who do you know that has been ruined by their riches?

  2. Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as one of mutual respect or one of complete rule of Christ over your life? What is the difference between the two?

  3. What must you do to inherit eternal life?

  4. If you encountered Jesus right now and were asked to do the same thing as the rich man, then would you be filled with grief and walk away or would you joyfully embrace Jesus’ call for you to give everything to the poor and follow Jesus? Explain your decision, and how you came to that conclusion.

  5. With regards to religious discipline, do you feel like “WHAT” you are doing is correct?

  6. “WHY” do you do what you do? Do you have a purpose driven life? What is the purpose that drives you?

  7. Is there personal salvation apart from the body of Christ? Can you obtain salvation without a heart for the community around you?

  8. How much a claim do you permit Christ to have over your life? Why?

  9. What worldly possession is keeping you from fully surrendering to Christ?

  10. Do you think that the sacrifices you make today for Christ will come back to you as a reward in your time on this earth? Why or why not?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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