Nehemiah 8:1-12, Psalm 19:8-11, Luke 101-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Nehemiah 8:1-12, Psalm 19:8-11, Luke 101-12

Nehemiah 8:1-12

My Beloved, in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word during Holy Mass, Your people gather around the Altar as one body to listen to the proclamation of Your Word.

In today's Scripture reading in the Book of Nehemiah, we see how God's people gathered together to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law of Moses.  When Ezra opened the Book to read the people stood up and when he praised God they responded by saying, "Amen, Amen."  After listening attentively to the reading of the Law the Levites began to clarify and interpret its meaning so those present understood what they had heard. Ezra dedicated the day to the Lord, he comforted the people and told them to rejoice rather than weep and to celebrate and share their food and drink with those who had none.  He assured them that God Himself was their strength. 

Verse 12 says, "The people went their way to eat, drink and share, and they had a great feast, because they had understood the words that had been proclaimed to them."

We grow by listening to the Word that is proclaimed to us in the Liturgy and through  sound and divinely inspired interpretation by those whom God has called and appointed.  

The magisterium which is the teaching authority of the Church interprets the Word according to Apostolic Tradition.  Sunday is the day of the Lord and must be dedicated to worship and to enter into God's rest.  We rejoice on this day which is set apart from the rest of the week to contemplate the Face of God in You, the Eternal Word and to share what You have given us with those who have not.  In this way we glorify You, the Father and the Holy Spirit.