They
were going home! In 583 BC, 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.
Nehemiah
their leader found 2 major problems:
-
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!
-
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. 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!
It
reminds me of what are called the Corporal Works of Mercy (Year of Mercy!)
1)
Feed
the Hungry &
2)
Drink
for the Thirsty: Feeding our Neighbors
Campaign & St. Vincent de Paul Society.
3)
Cloth the naked and
4)
Shelter the Homeless – Support efforts as we prepare for Midnight Run Newburgh
Ministry operates Winterhaven & always in need of volunteers.
5)
Visit the Sick give blood - Ministry
of Care: friendly visits, phone calls, visits to they doctor, and emergency
meal Can you help?
6)
Visit prisoners – hard one – speak against
housing mentally ill in prisons.
7)
Bury the dead – offer them the proper rites and prayers and support those left
behind.
Spirit
of Lord is upon me – US – anointed me – US - to
be Merciful!
