Hunger for the Word

The psalmist from the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today praises the life giving sweetness of the Word of God. Friar Jude Winkler tells of the gathering of the people of Jerusalem described in the Book of Nehemiah to listen to Ezra proclaim the Word of God from the Sacred Books of Moses. They are moved to understand the intimacy with the will of God that they have lost during their association with the pagan people. The leaders instruct them focus on the opportunity ahead for them to hear anew the Word of God and to accept Divine Love and mercy. When we begin a “new start” in our relationship with God, it is cause for rejoicing and Nehemiah and Ezra instruct their audience to praise God and celebrate. The Gospel from Luke outlines the instructions of Jesus to 72 disciples who are to go to people with the Good News of the nearness of the Kingdom of God in the person of Jesus. Luke wants the evangelist to show that they are entirely dependent on Providence for their mission. The people who hear the message they bring will find a resonance with the Love of God and will know peace in this intimacy that the disciple lives. Friar Jude reminds us that faith which opens ears, minds and hearts is a gift of God which is given differently to everyone. The rejection of the message of the disciple is to be expected by those who for whatever reason are not gifted, at this time, with the ears of faith.