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.

  1. Is your spirit troubled or at peace?

  2. When was the last time that you had a dream that kept you up at night? What was so disturbing about the dream?

  3. Do you believe that dreams can be interpreted? Explain.

  4. Have you ever been given a task that seemed impossible, and faced extreme consequences for not completing the task?

  5. How do you respond physically, emotionally, and mentally when you do not get what you want?

  6. In what way has God stepped in and saved you in the midst of a challenging situation?

1 John 2:1-11

This passage reminds us that Christ is our advocate and that we are called to walk in the light of Christ. It is true that Jesus Christ advocates for us when we sin. He is our atoning sacrifice. However, this reality should never be interpreted as a license to keep sinning. As followers of Christ we must not continue to roam in the darkness of sinful living. Rather, we must walk in the light as Christ is in the light. It is not right for us to claim to be Christians and go about breaking Christ commandments. Instead, we must obey God’s word, abide in God’s love, and be perfect in loving our neighbor. This is not a new commandment - no, it is an old commandment. Yet, in Christ this commandment is made anew because the darkness of death is passing away and the light of Christ’s resurrection is shining. Love lives in the light. Hate hides in the darkness.

  1. Who advocates for you when you make a mistake or experience suffering?

  2. How does Jesus advocate for you? What does it mean for Christ to our atoning sacrifice?

  3. Have you ever gone through a phase where you lived as if you had a license to keep sinning?

  4. Why is it so tempting to roam in the darkness?

  5. What challenges are there to walking in the light of Christ?

  6. Either by commission or omission, what commandments have you broken?

  7. Which of the following do you find easier to do; which one do you find harder to do - A) obey God’s word (legalist), B) abide in God’s love (naturalist), or C) love your neighbor (humanist)?

  8. In what way does Jesus Christ bring a fresh and unifying perspective to the three personality types listed in question # 7?

  9. Do you agree or disagree with the arguments: “Love lives in the light. Hate hides in the darkness?” Why do you agree or disagree?

John 17:12-19

In this reading the reality is made clear that we are protected in Christ. We find true joy and a strong sense of wholeness in our relationship with Christ. Such confidence empowers us when the world hates on us. We are sanctified not by seeking the approval of the world but by standing for the truth. We must be cognisant though that bearing witness to the truth comes with a denial of our selfish interests and a cross that we carry for the life of the world.

  1. How has Christ protected you?

  2. Are you joyful? Why or why not?

  3. Do you feel whole? Why or why not?

  4. What is the key to remaining confident even when the world hates on us?

  5. In what ways have you been seeking the approval of the world?

  6. Suggest a few ways that you can stand for the truth today regardless of the cost.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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