Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-4,5-6, 7-12; Psalm 19; Luke 10:1-12
Do me a favour. In the first reading, count the number of times it says, “all the people”. Not counting similar words like “the whole assembly”, “the men and women and the children”, etc., there are at least 10 times that the reading says, “all the people”. Unnecessary repetition? Not at all.
Everyone comes out to hear the word of God, the Book of the Law of Moses: everyone “who could hear with understanding.” This bit of information is important: they come out to hear important information, the word of God.
They listen all day and they do understand it, so much so that they weep. Ezra, the priest, tells them not to be sad; he says, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” The word of God is joy, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Then they are told to celebrate this word of God: “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared.” “The law of God is perfect and refreshes them.
In the Gospel Jesus appoints seventy and sends them out ahead of him to prepare the people to hear the word of God. He sends them to scope out the land and its people, to see who will be receptive to the word. Unlike the first reading, all the people are not listening attentively and weeping with joy at the word. Jesus tells them that this is dangerous work; take it seriously. This journey could be froth with great difficulty and even death. Jesus says, “See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.” He asks his friends to lay down their lives for him. It would be easier to walk away.
There is still so much work to be done, and not enough workers. The people in the first reading found joy in the word of God. Are we ready to proclaim God’s Word with our lives? Blessings. Fr. Brian