Monday, January 28, 2019

"The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me"


They were finally going home! In 583 BC, the southern kingdom, Judah, was conquered by Babylon (Iraq) and sent into exile. Years later, King Cyrus of Persia (Iran) conquered Babylon (some things never change) and then decided the Jewish exiles could go home.
When they returned to Jerusalem, Nehemiah their leader found 2 major problems:
1)       The walls of Jerusalem were torn down. It had to be rebuilt or they would be captured again. Must reestablish the life of Jerusalem. Amazing 52 days!
2)      And, they needed to be reconnected to their faith.  Most didn’t even speak Hebrew anymore. They found a copy of the Torah – what we call the Pentateuch or first 5 books of the Bible.  He had Ezra the high priest read it for 6 hours.  (you think this is long?)   The people were so moved that they wept.  They had forgotten who they were – what they were called to be.
After Nehemiah and Ezra, the Jewish people developed 2 places of worship
1)   The Rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem where prayers and sacrifices would be offered  
2)   Synagogues: wherever there were at least 10 families, a place was built for prayers and the reading of the Law & Prophets. There the community would gather every Friday night – to pray, to hear the stories and remember who they were.
Imagine the young Rabbi standing before them.  He goes to the Tabernacle holding the Sacred Scrolls, he picks out the prophet Isaiah and begins to read;     The spirit of the Lord is upon me.   He has anointed me to bring: Glad tidings to the poor – liberty to captives – recovery of sight to the blind – let the oppressed go free      
2 meanings
- The time of the Messiah has come!!!
- and a challenge for his followers! For the Spirit of the Lord is upon us – we have been anointed in the Sacrament of Confirmation to:
Bring glad tidings to the poor - not just materially poor but spiritually poor – who have lost God
Bring liberty to captives – all held captive by sin
Recovery of sight to the blind – make aware once again of God’s presence
A year of favor - a time of blessing & forgiveness
But, like Jesus – we will be opposed:

-          2 senators questioned the suitability of a judge, because he is a member of the K of C.
-          Another senator questioned another Catholic candidate: ‘Catholic Dogma lives loudly with you-that’s a concern.
-          Wife of VP is criticized for teaching in a Christian school.
-          Catholic high school students and their families threatened due to a misleading video clip. It was not an accident that this took place at the March for Life.
-          Pro-lifers are told they have no place in the state of New York, because “that’s not who New Yorkers are.” Now life can be ended up to the moment of birth.
Let me simply say this: Don’t be afraid – the Messiah has come – the Lord is with us – the Spirit of the Lord is upon us - we know who we are as children of God - be proud of your Catholic faith – don’t apologize for what you believe and know to be true - be glad and rejoice – for your reward in heaven will be great!