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.

  1. What do you tend to do when your efforts are not enough? Why do you do this?

  2. Describe a specific crisis where your efforts were not enough? How did you choose to respond to the situation? How was your response helpful or harmful?

  3. True or false: “God is the only one that meets your needs.” Explain your answer.

  4. What is the difference between a “need” and a “want”?

  5. In asking for the contents of the king’s dream and its interpretation, did Daniel and his friends pray for a “need” or “want”? Explain why you feel this way.

  6. Is there a difference between ‘seeking out a religious answer’ and ‘receiving a revelation’? Why or why not?

  7. Would you agree or disagree with the argument that Daniel’s approach to his dilemma was more about receiving a revelation from God than about pursuing a religious answer? Explain your reasoning.

  8. Daniel expressed gratitude to God even before Daniel shared the revelation with the king.  How might our offering of thanks and praise to God reflect the strength or weakness of our faith?

  9. Arioch praised himself; Daniel praised God. Two different responses to the same revelation. When have you glorified yourself instead of giving the credit to God? Why is it so tempting to glorify ourselves?

  10. Name 2 people that you regularly pray with about the needs in your life. (If you are not able to name 2 people, then reach out to Fr. Thomas immediately. You are not alone.)

1 John 2:12-17

In this passage we are reminded that our sins are forgiven on account of Jesus’ name. In and through Jesus we are made strong, the word of God abides in us, and we have overcome evil. Therefore, let us not love the world or the things in the world. Those who love the world do not have the love of God in them. Such people are consumed with the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride in riches. This kind of glory passes away but the glory of God is forever.

  1. Say the name of ‘Jesus’ 3 times. Is saying the name of Jesus something you do prayerfully or do you tend to take the name of ‘Jesus’ in vain (i.e. screaming ‘Jesus’ when you are angry)?

  2. What significance does the name of ‘Jesus’ have for you?

  3. In what tangible way does Jesus bring you strength?

  4. How does a relationship with Jesus increase your awareness of the word of God?

  5. Describe a time when speaking the name of Jesus helped you overcome evil?

  6. Have you ever been consumed with the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, or a pride in riches? What helped you overcome this addiction?

  7. Would you describe your life more as a pursuit of vain glory or eternal glory? Explain.

John 17:20-26

This passage depicts Jesus’ prayer for all believers - not only those who believe now but also those who will come to believe. At its core, Jesus’s prayer strives for the unity of all believers and exhorts everyone to abide in love.

  1. Is the unity of all believers a realistic goal in your opinion? Why or why not?

  2. Do you think there will be a day when all human beings abide in love? Why or why not?

  3. How does Jesus’ prayer shape your prayer life and the purpose behind your life?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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