Breaking the Word

26^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 4^th 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.

25^th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 30^th September 2023 – Zech 2,5-9.14-15;  Lk 9,43b-45

Expansion and Protection of Jerusalem

The first reading from the prophet Zechariah is closely linked with Prophet Haggai to rebuild the Temple and also to restore the nation. Zechariah is led to proclaim the Lord’s coming to Jerusalem in order to dwell with the people and draw in, not only the chosen people, but other nations. Today’s reading presents the third of the eight visions the prophet had about a future glorious Jerusalem. In this vision, he sees a man with a measuring line in his hand. The line is for taking measurements for New Jerusalem and is a symbol of the future expansion and glory of the city, which has never experienced.  In fact, the population will spill over the walls and the messianic Jerusalem will be protected by Yahweh himself, with the wall of fire around. This is reminiscent of the time in the desert when Yahweh accompanied his people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.