Daily Readings - Thu Oct 05 2023
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
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.