I Reading: from the Book of the Prophet Nehemiah,
8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
The Book of the Prophet Nehemiah is divided in four parts:
1) Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem, where he had been sent by the Persian Emperor with the purpose
of governing Judah;
2) The reconstruction of Jerusalem ‘s walls;
3) The solemn reading of the “Law of God” (by Ezra), and the confession of the people’s sins;
4) Nehemiah’s activities after he became Governor of Judah.
Sunday’s 1st reading finds its origins on the third part of Nehemiah’s book, at the time when Ezra is reading the Law of God to his people. A special pulpit –placed higher than anyone within the vicinity- had been built with the express intention that Ezra would use it to read the Law of God, and just so everyone could hear Ezra’s words.
Judah’s people listen not just to the reader but also to the interpreters helping him, and their reaction to the words are not of annoyance or discouragement, but instead they welcome the readings with great conviction, repeating the word “amen”, giving an example of faith to future generations. Judeans feel happiness in hearing the words that come from God, prostrating themselves in front of Him, with their faces on the floor, in signal of complete submission, taking in the words that come from God.
All of those present feel moved by the message, and they weep. Ezra and the other doctors of the law explain that this day and this reading are holy, so it is imperative that each one of them return to their homes to celebrate the new blessing that they have received from God.
The word of God, the one that we receive by means of the Holy Scriptures –whether it is during Sunday mass or during any other weekly mass- is not, under any circumstance, cause for sadness or laziness to those who have heard it.
God’s word is a tool for us. Us, the ones blessed because of attending one or many more masses.
The word of God is not just history of what our ancestors did or did not do. On the contrary, the word of God -the Holy Scriptures-, are concrete evidence of what our ancestors did do in order to be able to reach paradise after they have breathed their last breath.
Can we follow the example of our ancestors who, after hearing Ezra’s readings, went out to celebrate the richness that comes with knowledge?
Beware, as the instructions are specific and we are reminded that the celebration should take place, not just with the blessed ones who have heard the word but also with those who were not able to be present during the gathering.
Once we leave church at the end of a mass, we have a responsibility of sharing the joyous news of the word of God not just with our brothers and sisters present during mass, but we have a duty of sharing the word with those who, for one reason or another, could not participate of the celebration of the holy mass.
Thus we come to the understanding that...the Good Christian is not selfish; the Good Christian shares without differentiation; the Good Christian does not judge his absent brother but instead shares with him… And it is in sharing that the Good Christian finds reason to celebrate the good news of the word of God.
Two of our most important roles as Good Christians are, first, to share; and second, to avoid judging our brothers.
II reading – 1 Corinthians, 12: 12-30
At the time when the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians was written, Corinth –the capital of the Roman province of Achaia- was a very cosmopolitan city. Corinth was a cultural center, notably famous for its thriving commerce. As such, Corinth was afflicted with the problems that afflict great cities: corruption, immorality, division, variety of religions.
The church built by Paul in Corinth was as sick as Corinth herself. The church was also divided and immoral.
So Paul’s letter, the excerpt that is read this Sunday, addresses how important roles and jobs are, and yet it focuses on the higher importance of the members over their roles.
The Corinthian community, arguing about spiritual gifts, was unable to find common grounds regarding this issue, so Paul’s letter intends to restore peace, to impart sound teaching, and to correct the misunderstandings that have led some astray.
To ignore the humor upon which Paul has built the chore of the letter, to overlook how he gives importance to an ear for being an ear, to a foot for being a foot, to an eye for being an eye, ignoring the humor, would be a great disservice to Paul’s work.
In today’s world, poor nations versus rich ones face the same awkwardness and displacement that the people of Corinth experimented. The poor nations of today’s world are considered of less importance than the rich ones. The voices and opinions of the poor nations do not carry the same weight as the rich ones do. Families come across the same issue. Sometimes Dad’s opinion or dad’s judgment is given more importance than Mom’s or the children’s opinions.
On his letter, Paul with a funny wit, reminds us that each member -whether it is from the world’s community, or whether it is within a family unit-, is important.
If and when one nation of the world suffers, the rest of the nations suffer along. They are unable to find balance until the suffering has ended. Just like that, if one family member is in pain or unhappy, the rest of the family members experience similar suffering and unhappiness. Unless the whole group with all its members are in a good situation, the whole group would live through the unbalance that the rest of the world feels when one of its nations is in distress (see Haiti’s current situation, following the 7.0 earthquake).
The Gospel according to Luke, 1:1-4, 4:14-21
Sunday’s readings combine fragments of chapters one and four of the Gospel according to Luke. Although at first there seems to be no connection between them, the second fragment cannot be read without including the first one.
The writings of Luke, historical in great part, lay emphasis on the importance of prayer; they place the Holy Spirit in a position of significance; talk about the role of women in the ministry of Jesus; and last but not least, focus on God’s forgiveness of our sins. Addressed to Theophilus, the readings are meant to reinforce confidence onto the teachings that he has received regarding the life of Jesus and Jesus’ ministry.
And so it happens that one day, at the synagogue, when Jesus is reading the scrolls of the Prophet Isaiah, Jesus applies the writings directly to Himself.
To hear Jesus voice saying: “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”, oh what a treat!!! Jesus reassuring those present at the temple, that a prophecy is being fulfilled in front of their very own eyes!!!
Jesus was aware of how Israel treated her children (penalty of death) and yet He did not fear the consequences of His actions… Jesus, from the begining, was always prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the love of the world!!!
Even today, on the 21st century, there are countries in our world where men and women are prosecuted and face the penalty of death because of their faith. Like them and like Jesus, may their example give us strength to maintain our grounds and to speak on behalf of our God, even if this choice puts in peril our earthly bodies.
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