Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,
interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.
Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people:
“Today is holy to the LORD your God.
Do not be sad, and do not weep”–
for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
It is good to hear this passage about the reading of scripture on this feast day. Saint Jerome, one of the “Fathers of the Church,” translated the Hebrew and Greek texts into Latin. Known as the Vulgate, this translation was The Bible of the western church for many centuries. English Protestants finally went back to the original versions to create the King James Version, but the Catholic Church retained the Vulgate until the Second Vatican Council. (Of course, there are reactionary Catholics who still insist it’s the only real bible.)
Today’s passage from the Book of Ezra recalls the great gathering in Jerusalem when the returning exiles had finally rebuilt enough of their city that they could pause and celebrate their accomplishments. It was time to reestablish their liturgical customs: the sacrificial offerings of sheep, heifers, and grain. The Levitical priests could occupy their quarters in the temple and resume their religious service. The city and nation would worship God publicly and properly; their religion would no longer be restricted to haphazard personal devotions.
The renewed rites began with hearing God’s word to Moses and the Hebrews in the wilderness. The city wept for joy as the ancient Law of Moses sounded in Jerusalem again.
Ezra, Nehemiah, and Saint Jerome remind us of the privilege and pleasure we have in hearing the Word of God. This is nothing to be taken for granted; it is an honor to be received in humility and gratitude and the very serious resolve to pay attention!
The Church treasures the Scriptures first by our liturgy. At every weekday mass, two passages are offered, including a selection from the gospels. Every Sunday we hear three passages. Invariably this is more material than we can contemplate in a week. The Liturgy of the Hours offers more and deeper opportunities, especially as we hear useful extra-biblical readings and learn of the many saints.
Each day we should go to the Spring of Scripture to drink and be refreshed. We don’t expect to exhaust that spring; no one can drink it dry. But we are sustained in our faith by the practice. Through the scriptures we enjoy the companionship of the Church from its prehistoric origins, its New Testament foundations, its perseverance through persecutions and martyrdom, and its deep contemplations of every age. The Scriptures provide the confidence and tools to survive this trying age when we are assailed by skepticism, doubt, and occasional heckling.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.