The readings from Luke and Nehemiah show us people at
worship. What do we see? A gathering, a reading from the holy book, a
commentary on what is read, and at least in Nehemiah, a feast and a sending to
those who have nothing.
What shall we make of this? As narrative, as history, as
poetry, as the depiction of a one-time event – whatever the the actuality,
whatever the rhetorical offering – scripture gives us an image of worship.
Notice that pattern is linked to the teachings of liturgical renewal:
Gathering
Word
Meal
Sending
Finally, the people are commanded to rejoice: “Go your
way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine… for this day is holy… and do not be
grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10)
Luke 4:14-21
Today's selection tells of Jesus at
the synagogue on a Sabbath in Nazareth, where he reads a scroll that Luke cites
as Isaiah 61:1–2; (4:16–19). This postexilic text from third Isaiah likely
originated as “the call” of its author to proclaim an eschatological vision of
a redeemed Israel.
Luke clearly senses this vision
fulfilled in Jesus when he claims that Jesus concludes the reading by stating
that “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (4:21). Here we
sense that Luke's Jesus is aware of his empowerment by the Spirit that
descended upon him at his baptism (3:22).
While today's selection allows for
the community to celebrate its understanding of Jesus as one who fulfilled
messianic prophecy, preachers need to recognize that fulfillment is a secondary
post-Easter interpretation that has led the church into the ideology of
supersessionism that is rejected by Catholics and all mainline denominations
today. – Regina Boisclair
Nehemiah 8:-13,
5-6, 8-10
This episode clearly associates
Ezra with the identification of texts as sacred. It bears witness to the idea
of a sacred text given by God that gained prominence early in the postexilic
era (c. 400 B.C.E.) Today, most scholars sense that what Ezra may have
promulgated was some rendition of Deuteronomy. Dating this event on the first
of Tishri (Rosh Hashanah [v 2], the Jewish New Year) underscores the idea that
something new is taking place. The setting of this episode in the square before
the water gate, which allows for all persons to be present including those
ritually defiled, suggests that whatever Ezra's role, the issue of mixed
marriages was resolved for the moment. Both men and women voice an amen of
ascent that is reinforced with uplifted hands and prostration. – Regina
Boisclair
Read this scene with care. Notice that the people beg
to hear the scripture, are deeply moved, accept responsibility for
disobedience, and then obey Ezra's command to celebrate.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
The people gathered around Nehemiah and around Jesus in the
temple are from a different era than our own, yet they remain close to us. Paul gives us a way to understand
our relations with our ancestors and ourselves.
Although Paul stresses the unity of
the community, he does not consider all equal. Just as he considers parts of
the body more honorable than others (vv 22–24), he ranks for the church:
apostles, prophets, teachers, then he lists miracles, healing, assistance,
leadership, and tongues (v 28). Stressing that none have all charisms (vv
29–30) he calls all to seek the greater gifts (12:31) that will identify those
that build up the body (14:4–5). – Regina Boisclair
The story of Ezra and his people
serves as a reminder of the humanness of our biblical brothers and sisters. It
is the type of story that enables us to relate to them in their pain, remorse,
and hope for a brighter future. It might also create a thirst for churchgoers
to expand their knowledge and understanding of the wide variety of stories and
lessons held within the Bible, and create a deeper kinship with those whose
stories offer a snapshot of life in centuries past.
When viewed in the full context of
last Sunday's epistle lesson, today's lesson from Corinthians refers to the
ability to interpret scripture, and also serves as an affirmation of all
members of the body of Christ. Therefore it fits in nicely with the theme of
knowing, understanding, and celebrating the fullness of our faith tradition.
Carol J. Noren
Regina Boisclair,
a Roman Catholic theologian, is professor of religious studies, Alaska Pacific
University in Anchorage.
Carol J. Noren, a
United Methodist pastor, is the Wesley W. Nelson professor of homiletics at
North Park Theological Seminary. She served chuches as pastor in Minnesota for
twenty years.
Homily Service 40, no. 2 (2007): 45-56.
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