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.

  1. When was the last time that you found it difficult to be open and honest with someone? Why was this?

  2. 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?

  3. In your opinion, does true love demand that we be completely truthful? Why or why not?

  4. Do you have a loving relationship with God today?

  5. 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 love. Even when our hearts condemn us, the truth of God’s love reassures our hearts for God is greater than our hearts. God’s love never fails. When we love one another, we abide in God, and God abides in us. Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are rooted in God’s love. Understand that while the evil spirit fosters hate the Holy Spirit encourages us to love as Jesus loved. Never doubt the power of love. Instead, be assured that the love of God which is in you is greater than the hate that is in the world. Therefore, listen to God always and forever abide in His love.

  1. Describe a time when your heart condemned you? What was it about?

  2. In what way is the love of God greater than our heart?

  3. Has God’s love ever failed you? Explain.

  4. How do you know that God abides in you?

  5. What can be done to distinguish between good and evil?

  6. Do you agree with the statement: “The evil spirit fosters hate but the Holy Spirit gives birth to love. Why or why not?

  7. Describe an experience in your life where you saw the power of love at work? How did that experience impact you?

  8. Why is there so much hate in the world?

  9. Is it possible to abide in love while being surrounded by hate?

Luke 4:14-30

This passage occurs after Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. We find Jesus filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was praised for how he taught and served in the synagogues. Jesus even went as far as saying that in him the scripture had been fulfilled. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, because God had anointed him to bring good news to the poor. God had sent him to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of God’s favor. When the Jewish leaders heard this, they were filled with rage. They got up, drove Jesus out of the town and even attempted to hurl Jesus off the cliff. Yet, miraculously, Jesus passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

  1. How has the Holy Spirit helped you teach God’s word and serve God’s people more effectively?

  2. Do you see the fulfillment of God’s promises in your own life? Explain.

  3. Describe a time when you experienced the rage of others? What did you learn from that experience?

  4. What emotions do you think Jesus felt when people from his own community drove him out and attempted to destroy him? How does Jesus’ predicament resonate with you?

  5. Think about a time when God helped you escape a sticky situation? What did that help look like?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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