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 reminds the people that they were the ones who handed over Jesus and rejected him in the presence of Pilate even though Pitlate had decided to release him. Peter admonishes them for rejecting Jesus who was holy and asking for Barabas who was a murderer. Peter pulls no punches in pointing out that they were responsible for killing the Author of life, and highlights how even their most sinful acts could not stop God from raising Jesus from the dead. It is to this great truth that Peter and John stand as bold witnesses, and it is by faith in the name of Jesus that the lame man was made strong and now appears before them in perfect health. You would think that after having said all this that Peter had nothing nice to say to the crowd. Yet, surprisingly, Peter calls them his ‘friends’ and understands that they acted in ignorance. Peter underscores how this all happened to fulfill God’s great plan of salvation. Peter reminds them that the prophets had foretold how the Messiah would suffer, and exhorts the people to repent and turn back to God so that their sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come upon them. Peter offers them a word of hope by explaining to them that while Jesus must remain in heaven for now he will come again to restore the whole universe. Finally, Peter invites them to embrace their identity as descendants of the prophets and beneficiaries of the covenant that God established with their ancestor Abraham. The passage ends with a promise that those who turn from their wicked ways and return to God will be blessed.

  1. Describe the last time that you were left feeling astonished and in wonderment. What caused the event that led to you feeling this way?

  2. What is the role of worldly power and personal piety in bringing about change in the world?

  3. Do you believe that the name of Jesus brings about real transformation? Why or why not?

  4. Describe a time when someone you know invoked the name of Jesus, and you witnessed a miracle because of it.

  5. Peter was very transparent and direct in reminding the people of their mistake and admonishing them for their failure. He pulled no punches. Do you think Peter’s behavior was appropriate or inappropriate? Explain your answer.

  6. Detail one unhealthy choice you have made that resulted in a devastating consequence?

  7. What did you do after realizing that you made a bad choice?

  8. We often find it easier to forgive others than to forgive ourselves. Why is this?

  9. What is the reason behind our strength and success?

  10. Peter showed the people some tough love. How do we know this? What does the term “tough love” mean to you, and who in your life has shown you tough love?

  11.  Do you tend to learn from your mistakes or do you find yourself repeating the same mistake over and over again?

  12. In what way is God’s great plan of salvation connected to our sins and struggles in life?

  13. The prophets had foretold how the Messiah would suffer. What might this mean for those who chose to follow Jesus Christ?

  14. Are you feeling tired and worn out physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually? How might turning to God bring about a season of renewal and refreshment?

  15. Does the promise of Christ’s return or Jesus’ second coming bring you real hope? Why or why not?

  16. What is  your identity?

  17. Whose shoulders are you currently standing on?

  18. Do you feel blessed or cursed? Why?

Psalm 8

God is exalted in all the world. Infants and children declare God’s majesty. The Lord has set up strongholds against His adversaries and subdued the enemy. Just take a moment to reflect on nature. You will see the work of God’s fingers everywhere - in the tiniest things (rain droplets on the petals of a rose) and in the biggest things (sun, moon and stars). In our astonishment and wonder of God’s creation, we cannot help but ask - “What am I that God should know my name?” Yet, the reality is that God has made us powerful and adorned us with glory and honor.

  1. Describe 5 places where you see God’s fingerprint in nature.

  2. What is the purpose of a ‘stronghold’? How has God set up a stronghold in your life?

  3. Is there an enemy in your life that you want to subdue? How do you make this happen?

  4. Do you believe that God knows your name and is aware of your personal story? Why or why not?

  5. Do you feel powerful or powerless? Explain.

  6. Are you willing to let go of your power and glory and trust God’s will for your life?

Luke 24:36b-48

In this passage, Jesus speaks a word of peace to His disciples. Yet, they react with shock and terror as if they had seen a ghost. Jesus compels them to look at and touch His hands and feet so that they could believe. Jesus even goes as far as asking them to give Him something to eat and then actually eating in front of them in order to cast away any doubt they had about His resurrection. Jesus reminds them of what He had told them before He died, and recalls to their memory all that was written about Him in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms. It is in the return to scripture that their eyes were opened and their minds capable of understanding that Jesus was the resurrected Lord. In light of their personal experience and newfound awareness, the disciples are asked to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations - beginning from Jerusalem (their own neighborhood).

  1. Do you feel restless or at peace today? Why?

  2. What does it mean to struggle with ‘automatic negative thoughts’ (negative self talk)? How has this played a role in your life?

  3. Describe a time when you overreacted with shock and terror only to find out later that there was really nothing to be worried about.

  4. Believe it or not, Jesus is in your life right now. This is a fact. Detail an experience where you felt abandoned or forsaken by God and where you failed to experience Jesus’ presence in your life? Why might this have happened?

  5. What is the secret to opening our eyes to how God is working in our life and gaining clarity of mind as to Jesus’ real presence in our current situation?

  6. The disciples were asked to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations - beginning from Jesusalem. Why might starting at Jerusalem have been important? How might this insight help us plan our own mission of evangelism?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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