[ Today's Readings ]
“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.
Overkill? No! This is precisely the result of the word which is living and effective.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (cf. Hebrews 4:12).
This is precisely why we hear that people are cut to the heart (cf. Acts 2:37) when they hear this word proclaimed in power. What we hear is undeniably good news. It answers the deepest longings of our hearts.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Yet we aren't moved when we hear it. Our hearts are unaffected. Why? Because we don't realize that, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." Today this is just as true as the day of the gospel.
He is present in his word, for it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church (cf. Sacrosanctum concilium 7, Vatican II)Really, today?
For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (cf. 2nd Corinthians 6:2).
Today! Today when the Scriptures are proclaimed Christ is present to bring glad tidings, freedom, and healing. He is actively working in the hearts of those who listen to build his kingdom and to restore a fallen world.
In Nehemiah God uses his word to re-establish his people after the exile. Jesus proclaims the word to establish the new and definitive kingdom of God. Let joy mark this day for we were exiles in a world on the verge of collapse. But no longer!
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
The Spirit comes to us when we listen to the words of Jesus with open hearts. He makes us parts of the kingdom. He sends us forth with gifts of power to build that kingdom on earth.
Some people God has designated in the church
to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers;
then, mighty deeds;
then gifts of healing, assistance, administration,
and varieties of tongues.
So let's listen. Let's receive. And then let's use our gifts. As deeply as the people of Nehemiah's time needed the word of God so too do those of our own. Today is the day!
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
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