Daily Readings - Thu Sep 30 2021
Nehemiah
1And the seventh month had arrived. Now the sons of Israel were in their cities. And all the people were gathered together, like one man, in the street which is before the water gate. And they spoke to Ezra the scribe, so that he would bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had instructed to Israel2Therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before the multitude of men and women, and all those who were able to understand, on the first day of the seventh month3And he read it openly in the street which was before the water gate, from morning even until midday, in the sight of the men and women, and those who understood. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the book4Then Ezra the scribe stood upon a step of wood, which he had made for speaking. And standing beside him were Mattithiah, and Shemaiah, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right. And on the left were Pedaiah, Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam5And Ezra opened the book before all the people. For he stood out above all the people. And when he had opened it, all the people stood up6And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people responded, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed down, and they adored God, facing the ground7Then Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, caused the people to be silent in order to hear the law. And the people were standing on their feet8And they read from the book of the law of God, distinctly and plainly, so as to be understood. And when it was read, they did understand9Then Nehemiah (the same is the cupbearer) and Ezra, the priest and scribe, and the Levites, who were interpreting for all the people, said: "This day has been sanctified to the Lord our God. Do not mourn, and do not weep." For all of the people were weeping, as they were listening to the words of the law10And he said to them: "Go, eat fat foods and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who have not prepared for themselves. For it is the holy day of the Lord. And do not be sad. For the joy of the Lord is also our strength.11Then the Levites caused the people to be silent, saying: "Be quiet. For the day is holy. And do not be sorrowful.12And so all the people went forth, so that they might eat and drink, and so that they might send portions, and so that they might make a great rejoicing. For they understood the words that he had taught to them
Luke
1Then, after these things, the Lord also designated another seventy-two. And he sent them in pairs before his face, into every city and place where he was to arrive2And he said to them: "Certainly the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest3Go forth. Behold, I send you out like lambs among wolves4Do not choose to carry a purse, nor provisions, nor shoes; and you shall greet no one along the way5Into whatever house you will have entered, first say, ‘Peace to this house.6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking the things that are with them. For the worker is worthy of his pay. Do not choose to pass from house to house8And into whatever city you have entered and they have received you, eat what they set before you9And cure the sick who are in that place, and proclaim to them, ‘The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.10But into whatever city you have entered and they have not received you, going out into its main streets, say11‘Even the dust which clings to us from your city, we wipe away against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has drawn near.12I say to you, that in that day, Sodom will be forgiven more than that city will be
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful moments of communal gathering and mission. In Nehemiah, the people assemble to hear Ezra read the law, leading them from tears of repentance to a celebration of God's joy. This scene, set in the context of rebuilding Jerusalem, highlights the transformative power of God's Word, turning sorrow into strength through communal celebration. In Luke, Jesus sends out 72 disciples to prepare for his arrival, emphasizing trust in God's provision and the urgency of spreading the kingdom's message. Despite the challenges, the focus remains on the joy of the Gospel.
Both readings underscore the importance of community and mission. In Nehemiah, the community comes together to listen and be transformed, then shares that joy. In Luke, the disciples are sent out to bring peace and healing, embodying the kingdom's presence. This dual focus on gathering and sending reflects the Christian life's rhythm—listening to God's Word and then sharing it with the world.
The moral lesson here is that encountering God's Word should transform us, bringing us from repentance to joy. This joy then compels us to share it with others, trusting in God's strength and provision. As we go out into the world, we carry the peace and healing of the kingdom, undeterred by rejection, knowing that our mission is rooted in God's love and joy.