Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezr 1:1-6; Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Lk 8:16-18
Notes: Liberation. It is no coincidence that the departure from Babylon (having been freed by King Cyrus) has many of the same contours of the exodus from Egypt. The LORD does not send you empty-handed into a fate unknown. Their departure was in peace with the Egyptians and with the Persians (in a manner of speaking, and for a time).
Go up to build the house of the LORD.
Take care, then, how you hear.
Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin
and the priests and Levites–
everyone, that is, whom God had inspired to do so–
prepared to go up to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
First Reading
Let everyone who has survived, in whatever place he may have dwelt, be assisted by the people of that place with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, together with free-will offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’
All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings.
Responsorial
The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
Gospel Acclamation
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
Gospel
Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.
Go up to build the house of the LORD.
When you go, you will not go empty-handed (Ex 3:21b).
The LORD does not send you empty-handed into a fate unknown.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry