Daily Readings - Thu Oct 05 2017
Nehemiah
1And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel.2So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month.3And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.4And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand.5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood.6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.7Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places.8They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.9And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.10Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."11So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved."12And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Luke
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.2And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.3Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.4Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.5Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'6And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.8Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.9Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'10But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,11'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.'12I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful moments of community and faith. The first reading from Nehemiah describes the Israelites gathering to hear Ezra read the law, a moment of spiritual renewal after their exile. Their emotional response—weeping followed by celebration—highlights the transformative power of God's word. The second reading from Luke shows Jesus sending out 72 disciples to spread the Good News, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and the urgency of their mission.
Both readings underscore the importance of community in faith. In Nehemiah, the people come together to listen and reflect, led by their leaders who guide them from sorrow to joy. In Luke, the disciples are sent out in pairs, demonstrating that faith is not a solitary journey but one lived in community. This connection reminds us that our faith is both personal and communal, requiring us to listen, reflect, and act together.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to balance listening to God's word with acting on it. Like the Israelites, we should reflect on our faith and then celebrate and share it. From Luke, we learn to trust in God's providence, avoiding distractions and generously serving others. The moral lesson is clear: live a life of faith and action, trusting in God, and finding strength and joy in community and service. Let us embrace this call, living with purpose and generosity, inspired by the joy of the Lord.