Daily Readings - Thu Oct 05 2023
Nehemiah
1And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.2And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.3And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.4And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.7Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.8So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.9And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.11So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.12And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
Luke
1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.2Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.10But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,11Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.12But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
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.