Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10: The setting of this passage is the priest-scribe, Ezra reading the Torah, (the book of the Law of Moses) to Judeans gathered in Jerusalem. The audience for the reading of the Law included men, women and children old enough to understand. We’re told that they “listened attentively,” suggesting their openness and receptiveness to pondering the Law. When Ezra blesses and praises God for the Law, the people enthusiastically join him in praising and thanking God. They obviously have great reverence as they then bowed down and prostrated themselves in a display of humble respect and holy fear of God. Perhaps this week we might ponder over why the people wept when they heard the Law. Were they overwhelmed by the Wisdom which inspired the Law? Were they conscious of their guilt and in dread of future punishment, as they recalled the many instances of their disobeying the Law? Let’s take some time this week to examine our consciences. How might we make amends?
Psalm 19: “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.” This psalm complements our first reading, beautifully! The psalmist is praising God for the Wisdom reflected in the Law and its perfection of love, wisdom and justice. The psalmist reflects how obedience to the Law imparts Wisdom and how a serene joy arises from the peace that fills those who devote themselves and their lives to obedience to God and to conforming themselves to His most holy and perfect Will!
When “fear of the Lord” is referred to here, it connotes holy reverence and respect for God; not just fear, born of mere terror. When we experience or feel this “reverence that is akin to fear,” we’re struck speechless by the contemplation of God’s holiness, goodness and benevolent power!
1 Cor 12:12-30: Recall that in the first reading we see that the Law is inclusive. It applies to everyone: men, women and children old enough to understand. Similarly, St. Paul notes that the Kingdom of God, or the “Body of Christ,” (the Church) is also all-inclusive; desiring to exclude no one. As St. Paul so wisely observes; each member of the Church is vitally important to the Church as a whole. The talents, abilities, skills and resources of each person can benefit the Church as a unit. No one can be seen as “better,” due to earthly distinctions in levels of respect or “personal/societal value” ascribed by worldly attachments.
Let’s contemplate that we are all God’s beloved children, whether we be old, young, rich, poor, powerful or vulnerable! God loves us all, without distinction, as Jesus so compellingly pointed out all through His life and ministry while here on earth! We are, each and all of us, God’s favorite child!
Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21: In the first two readings and psalm, we see how important it is to develop an openness and receptiveness to the Law of God and to the Holy Spirit that enlivens God’s Kingdom. To be open and receptive, we have to make efforts to listen attentively to the Word of God, in Scripture and, as written, in God’s perfect Law; the Ten Commandments. After listening, we have to practice obedience to God’s Law, in order for us to grow in Wisdom, holiness and knowledge of God. To “know” God is to be open to the Truth He imparts to us, in the Law and in His Word, in Scripture.
As suggested above, let’s pray that our senses be acutely aware of God’s Presence around us and within us. Amen! Deacon Matt