Blogging toward Sunday

Readings for Sunday, January 27 include Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 and Luke 4:14-21.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

It is helpful to remember that the text from Nehemiah comes during the time of the rebuilding of the Second Temple wall. Herein, Ezra summons the people to a reading of the law. Read the passage carefully; then consider the following:

1. Who is present at this gathering?
2. How long is the reading?
3. What is the response of the people to the reading of their Holy Scriptures?
4. What instruction do Nehemiah and Ezra give to the people?

Now turn to the gospel lesson. Read through Luke 4:14-21 once. Sit quietly in prayer, listening for what the Holy Spirit might reveal to you. Read the text a second time. What jumps out at you? What new learning did you experience? Take a moment to consider:

1. How is Jesus empowered? 
2. Is Jesus already well-known?
3. Why is Nazareth significant for Jesus?
4. What day of the week is it?
5. What is Jesus' routine or custom on this day?

Jesus is faithful to Israel's religious practices, here observing synagogue worship on the Sabbath. What religious practices do you employ as a faithful Christian? Is worship attendance a spiritual discipline in your life? Do you make yourself available to the work of the Holy Spirit through daily prayer, Scripture reading, meditation or other practices?Are there certain practices or disciplines you would like to know more about? If so, you may want to attend upcoming Celtic worship services in which spiritual disciplines will be highlighted over the next few months.

I pray your journey toward Sunday will be blessed with good things...things that will enrich your life...things you may use to enrich the lives of others.

Shalom,
Glenda