Reading 1
Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12
The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate,and they called upon Ezra the scribeto bring forth the book of the law of Moseswhich the LORD prescribed for Israel.On the first day of the seventh month, therefore,Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly,which consisted of men, women,and those children old enough to understand.Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate,he read out of the book from daybreak until midday,in the presence of the men, the women,and those children old enough to understand;and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platformthat had been made for the occasion.He opened the scroll so that all the people might see it(for he was standing higher up than any of the people);and, as he opened it, all the people rose.Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, “Amen, amen!”Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD,their faces to the ground.As the people remained in their places,Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribeand the Levites who were instructing the peoplesaid to all the people:“Today is holy to the LORD your God.Do not be sad, and do not weep”–for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;for today is holy to our LORD.Do not be saddened this day,for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”And the Levites quieted all the people, saying,“Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened.”Then all the people went to eat and drink,to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy,for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.
Gospel
Lk 10:1-12
Jesus appointed seventy-two other discipleswhom he sent ahead of him in pairsto every town and place he intended to visit.He said to them,“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest.Go on your way;behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;and greet no one along the way.Into whatever house you enter, first say,‘Peace to this household.’If a peaceful person lives there,your peace will rest on him;but if not, it will return to you.Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,for the laborer deserves his payment.Do not move about from one house to another.Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,eat what is set before you,cure the sick in it and say to them,‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,go out into the streets and say,‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,even that we shake off against you.’Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
Meditation:
Nehemiah 8:1-12
Have you ever had one of those moments where you wondered what you had gotten yourself into?
You were excited about some project, but then reality hit, and you realized that you were in over your head. It seems that the Israelites were feeling that way as Ezra read to them from the Law.
Imagine the ceremony that today’s reading describes: The people gathered as one, even children. A podium was built so that Ezra could be elevated above the people and read them the Law. Everyone bowed down and praised God for his goodness. Doesn’t it sound like an early Liturgy of the Word?
Then what happened? The people were moved to tears as they heard how demanding God’s law was. Perhaps they realized how far they fell short from God’s word. Maybe they felt overwhelmed. They seemed to have forgotten that God’s law is not too far above them. It was in their hearts (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). It got so bad, in fact, that Ezra, Nehemiah, and all the Levites had to urge them to celebrate!
Can you see the similarities to our experience at Mass? We may come with anticipation, looking forward to being with our friends or family, professing our faith, and singing together. However, there are days when the readings or homily seem demanding or overwhelming. Where does the liturgy lead us next? To a great celebration and feast! Jesus gives himself to us, and as we receive him, we receive the courage, strength and inspiration we need to respond to whatever he is asking of us. And knowing that Jesus is for us and not against us, we feel our burdens lifted, and we are moved to rejoice.
The next time you go to Mass, remember Nehemiah. Don’t pull back from God’s word, even if it shakes you up a little. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus. As you do, you’ll find yourself rejoicing in his love and being filled by his own body and blood.
“Lord, thank you that you are near and offer yourself to me. I rejoice in your presence, where I find all the strength and inspiration I need!”
Psalm 19:8-11; Luke 10:1-12
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