In the First Reading we hear of the people gathered in the ruins of the Temple after their return from exile. Nehemiah reads the copy of the Law, most likely the Book of Deuteronomy, to the people. He says to them: " 'This day is holy to the Lord your God, do not mourn or weep'." (Neh 6: 9) Jesus in the Gospel tells the people gathered at the synagogue: "Today this scripture is being fulfilled in your hearing." (Lk 4: 21) On both occasions the Chosen People are given a message of hope in trying times. In the former they are mourning the sins of their ancestors and the ruin of their Temple which was the result of that rebellion. In the latter, the people labour under the yoke of their Roman oppressors and the tyranny of the Herodian rulers. As we gather for Mass on Sunday we may be oppressed by our worries or circumstances. Sometimes we have collaborated in our own unhappiness through our sins. Thi causes us to weep as we hear of the beauty of God's love and compare it to our own deficiencies: "... but sin is not reckoned when there is no law." (Rm 5: 13) The message of the holy Eucharist is always one of hope as it is a participation in the victory of the Resurrection with our Lord feeding us with his Word, his Sacred Body and Precious Blood. This manifestation of mercy and love means that whatever is happening in our lives we can do as St Paul exhorts us when he says: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4: 4-7)
No comments:
Post a Comment