PRAYER MOMENT
Thursday 3 October 2013
THE PEOPLE WERE ALL IN TEARS
Pause. Recall that you are in the presence of God.
Reading. “For the
people were all in tears as they listened.” (Neh. 8:1-12)
Reflection. When
the people of Israel returned home after their long exile in Babylon they
rebuilt their houses, their temple and their lives. They wept tears of joy as
they listened to Ezra reading the words of the law from “early morning until
noon.” It was a rediscovery of roots, like looking at old family photos or
visiting the graves of parents long dead. The remembrance of things past helps
to root us in the present and give hope for the future. It is good to recall
the story of the founding of a nation, to recall the sacrifices that brought it
to birth and to weep with sorrow and joy for the sins and the promise our
history carries. The tears of joy of Ezra’s hearers were deeply felt. When
Jesus took bread and wine and blessed them he said, “Remember me.” As the heirs
of the promises to Israel we too can approach the Eucharist with tears of joy
and sorrow.
Prayer. Lord, teach
us to remember all that you have done to bring us to this day. We weep for our
failure to live up to the covenant we made in Baptism and we also rejoice in
the promise you give us which is never withdrawn. Amen.
(I will be away for
three days, beyond the reach of internet.)
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