Thoughts for the Day

All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly.... He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose.... And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen’, lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Version)

Thoughts

We begin to see how the exiles are getting on in Jerusalem. The Temple has been finished and the walls of the city rebuilt with strong gates to protect the citizens. In Chapter 7, Nehemiah gives his brother Hanani charge over Jerusalem along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel. Then he holds a census calling all the leaders and people who had come back from Babylon. He lists all the latter by name, and finally concludes there are 'forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty' people besides their male and female slaves, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and thirty-seven'.

Now begins the real work to strengthen the heart of the nation - they need to learn more about their faith. So Ezra, whom we have met before, is called to read the scriptures to the people and teach them what they mean. It is important that women are taught for they will be responsible for teaching the faith in the family home.

Today you are learning (or being reminded) about the scriptures and your faith - many of you for over two years with these 'Thoughts'. So congratulations all of you! I know that many read them every morning or evening, others gather them up until the weekend. Don't beat yourself up if you miss the odd one, just keep reading the next day. God has called us all, you and I, to keep learning about his plans for us and for our world.

Heavenly Father,
we are excited to find out more about You
and all that You offer to Your people.
May we continue to want to learn more,
and be faithful to the promises made
at our Baptism or Confirmation.
Give us the desire to worship You
in sincerity and truth.
Amen.