ANDREW'S AFFIRMATION

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Daniel 5:13-30 This passage tells the story of Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, who throws a lavish banquet and uses the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem to drink wine with his lords, wives, and concubines. As they celebrate, a hand appears and writes a mysterious message on the wall. No one can decipher the writing, and the king is filled with terror. Belshazzar sends for Daniel, who interprets the message as a warning of the king's impending downfall and the end of his kingdom. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and the kingdom is given to the Medes and Persians. The story of Belshazzar is a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and disrespecting the sacred. Belshazzar's misuse of the sacred vessels and his lack of reverence for God's holy things leads to his downfall. Daniel's interpretation of the writing on the wall shows the importance of being faithful to God and seeking his wisdom and guidance. Th...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Daniel 5:1-12 This passage recounts the story of Belshazzar's feast, where the king of Babylon throws a great banquet and drinks from the vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. During the feast, a hand appears and writes a message on the wall, which terrifies the king and his guests. The king's wise men are unable to interpret the writing, but Daniel is summoned and explains that the message is a warning from God that Belshazzar's kingdom will fall. This passage highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disregarding His commands. Belshazzar's actions demonstrate a lack of respect for God's sacred vessels and disregard for the Jewish people's faith. The message on the wall is a warning that the king's actions have not gone unnoticed by God and that there will be consequences. Furthermore, this story also emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment. While Belshazzar's wise m...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 This passage provides practical advice on how to approach difficult situations in life. It begins with an exhortation to remain steadfast in one's faith and to persevere through trials and tribulations. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the road to wisdom and happiness is not an easy one and that setbacks and challenges are inevitable. The passage goes on to highlight the importance of humility and patience in the face of adversity. We are encouraged to trust in God and to seek guidance and strength through prayer. The passage also warns against seeking instant gratification and urges us to be diligent and persistent in our efforts to achieve our goals. How do you approach difficult situations in life? Why does it feel hard sometimes to remain steadfast in faith and persevere through trials and tribulations? What setbacks or challenges have you faced on the road to happiness? What role does humility and patience play...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Daniel 4:19-27 In this passage Daniel offers an explanation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Being open and honest with the king was not easy for Daniel to do. The king perceived that Daniel was severely distressed and that his thoughts terrified him. Yet, the king encouraged Daniel to not be afraid. As hard as it was for Daniel, he still found courage to speak the truth in love. When was the last time that you found it difficult to be open and honest with someone? Why was this? Are you someone who welcomes constructive criticism or do you spurn those who criticize you? What might your response to criticism suggest about your level of humility? In your opinion, does true love demand that we be completely truthful? Why or why not? Do you have a loving relationship with God today? What part of your life is hidden from others in a dishonest way? 1 John 3:19-4:6 This passage addresses the theme of God’s love and the assurance we have in a life of lo...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Daniel 2:17-30 None of the wise men of Babylon could tell the king his dream or interpret it for him. In a fit of rage, the king orders Arioch to destroy all the wise men of Babylon - including Daniel. Left with no other solution, Daniel invites his friends to pray with him. God answers these prayers and reveals to Daniel the contents of the king’s dream and its interpretation. In response, Daniel gives thanks to God and praises His name. Arioch, on the other hand, glorifies himself by saying -  “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who can tell the king the interpretation." Observing Arioch’s pride, Daniel humbles himself and makes it clear to the king that it was not because of David’s wisdom or anyone else’s that the king’s dream and its interpretation were revealed. Rather, it was God’s will that the king increase in understanding. What do you tend to do when your efforts are not enough? Why do you do this? Describe a specifi...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Daniel 2:1-16 This passage recounts the challenges Nebuchadnezzar faced during the second year of his reign. We are told that because of his dreams his spirit was troubled and he had trouble sleeping. The king summoned many experts to interpret his dreams. Those who were not able to interpret his dreams would be punished. Those who were able to interpret his dreams would be rewarded. When the king realized that none of the experts were able to interpret his dreams, he flew into a violent rage and commanded that all of them be destroyed. However, just as the experts were about to be executed Daniel enters the scene and with God’s help offers to interpret the king’s dream. Is your spirit troubled or at peace? When was the last time that you had a dream that kept you up at night? What was so disturbing about the dream? Do you believe that dreams can be interpreted? Explain. Have you ever been given a task that seemed impossible, and faced extreme ...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Daniel 1:1-21 In this passage we see Daniel’s decision to be faithful and the blessing of his faithfulness. Daniel models a 5-fold approach to the temptations/tests of life: 1) a heart set on not compromising one’s faith, 2) a positive attitude as opposed to a negative one, 3) a courteous protest for Jesus as opposed to a protest against the devil, 4) an attitude of self-denial, 5) a willingness to have your faith tested and tried. Define ‘faithfulness’. Would you describe yourself as faithful? Why must faithfulness be an intentional decision? What was Daniel’s 5-fold approach to facing the temptations/tests of life? What do you like about the model? What would you change? Would others describe your overall attitude as one that is positive or negative? Explain. What is the difference between a protest for Jesus as opposed to a protest against the devil? Describe an experience where you engaged in a courteous protest. What was this experience li...

A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings Collect Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen. Acts 3:11-26 In this passage we see the aftereffect of the lame man’s healing. We are told that the lame man clung to Peter and John, and that the people gathered with astonishment around Peter and John in Solomon’s Portico. It is in this context that Peter questions the people about their wonderment and makes it clear to them that it was not Peter and John’s power or piety that healed the lame man. Peter informs the people that the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of their ancestors has worked through Jesus to bring about such healing. Peter then rem...