Thursday of week 26 in Ordinary Time
Saint Faustina Kowalska, Religious
First reading – Nehemiah 8:1-12
“Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold”. Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly and read the book from early morning till noon. The presence of the Law of the Lord is very enriching. The people of God listen to the reading of the Law with reverence. When Ezra opened the book all the people stood up, raised their hands, and answered, “Amen! Amen”. Then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. The gesture of the People of God is very indicative. It’s complete submission even before it’s being read. What comes from the Word of God, they are ready to accept. That is what we see in their gesture of prostration even before the reading. Then Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read. From this, people started weeping. To this Ezra says, don’t be sad. The Joy of the Lord is your stronghold. The Lord is happy with you. The Lord loves you. Be happy and don’t be sad. Let’s reflect: What is my attitude towards the Word of God?
Thursday 5 October
