In today’s first reading from Nehemiah 8, we see the story of Ezra the priest reading the book of the law to all the people. He spent hours proclaiming God’s word. (And we think the Palm Sunday Gospel is long!)
The people were so moved they wept. Ezra tells them not to weep. He says, “Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!” This passage always makes me wonder what effect God’s word has on us.
When you attend Mass and the Word is proclaimed, are you attentive? Do you read along with the reader/lector/priest/deacon? Do you even go to the trouble of reading the readings before Mass so that you’re already familiar with them. And finally, does God’s word affect you? Like the advice Ezra gave the people, we should rejoice in God’s word proclaimed to us!
Father, may we always be attentive to and rejoicing in your holy word. Amen.
Would you like to make a pilgrimage to Italy with Gus and Michelle Lloyd and Fr. Leo Patalinghug? We’ll be in Rome on the feast of Blessed (soon to be Saint) Mother Teresa of Calcutta. For details on joining us, go to www.GusLloyd.com today! Space is limited!
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