Hearing the Reading, a Reflection on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6

The priest Ezra reads Scripture to the gathered people. They all listen attentively because those ancient words about their ancestors are words that continue to affect their lives.

This week's reading from Luke tells us about Jesus in the synagogue reading from the prophet Isaiah and bringing their meaning forward to the listeners in their time.

In our own time, in our own places, someone will be standing before a roomful of worshippers and reading ancient words about long-ago people and times. And in our own time, in our own places, we will hear those words with understanding, and our lives will change. Won't we? Won't they?