Daily Readings - Thu Oct 05 2023
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God’s Word and the call to live with faith and simplicity. In the first reading from Nehemiah, we see the Israelites gathered to hear the law of Moses after their return from exile. Ezra the scribe reads the law aloud, and the people are deeply moved, even to tears, as they understand the words spoken to them. This moment is one of renewal and recommitment to their covenant with God. The Levites and leaders remind the people not to mourn but to rejoice, for the day is holy, and the joy of the Lord is their strength. They are sent forth to share this joy with others, ensuring no one is left without a share in the celebration.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus sending out 72 disciples ahead of him to every town and place he plans to visit. He instructs them to go with simplicity—without purse, bag, or sandals—and to rely on the hospitality of those they meet. They are to bring peace, heal the sick, and proclaim that the kingdom of God is near. This mission is not without challenge; Jesus warns them that some will reject them, but they are to trust in God’s providence and not be deterred. The disciples are called to focus on the task at hand, trusting that God will provide for their needs.
Both readings remind us of the importance of prioritizing God’s Word and living with faith and simplicity. In Nehemiah, the people find strength and joy in the law, which renews their relationship with God. In Luke, the disciples are called to trust in God’s plan and to share the Good News without being weighed down by material concerns. For us today, this means letting God’s Word guide our lives, finding joy in our faith, and being willing to step out in trust to share His love with others. May we, like the Israelites and the disciples, embrace the call to live with simplicity, trust, and a heart open to God’s Word.