Wednesday, 2 October 2013

THE PEOPLE WERE ALL IN TEARS

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our failure to live up to the covenant we made in Baptism and we also rejoice in the promise you give us which is never withdrawn.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.)


No comments:

Post a Comment