Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
At Mass – Are the Readings important?
The Mass is so important that it has had the same elements of worship that have been practiced since the beginning of the Old Testament. In our first reading from the Prophet Nehemiah, who was a Governor and a High Priest, in addition to being a Prophet, we see that the many of the same ways of worship are present as we worship today!
- 1. The people gather
- 2. A platform is erected (an altar)
- 3. The priests arrive in ceremony (signing of psalms)
- 4. The Book of The Law (the Torah Scrolls) are held up!
- 5. The scrolls are opened and the people fall in adoration at the words of God!
We don’t exactly fall down and worship, but we do stand and sing – with Alleluias!
The reverence paid to the Reading of Scriptures by the people of Ezra’s time should inform us of the great privileges we have today to read the very words of Jesus (God in the flesh). The people of the Old Testament hoped for God’s Spirit to rest on them. We not only hope – but are filled with God’s Spirit (The Holy Spirit) through the sacrament of baptism and the Holy Eucharist!
If we truly realized that we hold the Body of Our God within us – we too would fall down to worship this great God that will give us forgiveness and eternal bliss in heaven!
During Ordinary Time, it is our opportunity to consider the life of a believer in Christ. Then, as a community of believers, we can let all the world know of this great gift of the Eucharist by offering charity and peace to everyone we meet.
I wish each of you Peace!
May Our Risen Savior Bless you!
Fr. Patrick Nelson, SDS
