26th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 4th October 2023 – Nehem 2,1-8; Lk 9,57-62
Being Plugged into Power of Prayer
In the first reading, Nehemiah, a Jew and court official of Artaxerxes, is willing to risk his life in order to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and to strengthen the faith of his people. In today’s reading, he reveals a vivid and gentle personality, very prudent and deliberate effort. He was trusted by the king, for he was permitted to be in the queen’s presence. He turned to God in prayer so that he would say the correct words before the king Artaxerxes to open God’s plan to rebuild Jerusalem. On hearing the walls of the city were in ruins and the gates had been burned down, Nehemiah broke down and wept. He mourned, fasted and prayed to God. The king notices the depressed state of Nehemiah and guesses the source of his problem on his face. Nehemiah is alarmed that his inner feelings are so obvious. With God’s power in support of him, he risks his position and his life in asking Artaxerxes not only for permission to return to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city and the Temple, but also for financial help in the process. God obviously blessed Nehemiah and moved the king to agree to Nehemiah’s requests.
