Tuesday – November 10, 2020

Scripture

Nehemiah 9-12

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep. ’For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. ’So, the Levites stilled all the people, saying, ‘Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved. ’And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Word of Hope

Although this passage pertains to a specific day, I think applying it to most days makes a great deal of sense. It goes a bit farther than “this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” While being told to rejoice, eat the best, drink sweet wine; they are also enjoined to send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared.

As we approach Thanksgiving, a day many of us send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared, and thankfully Cathedral of Hope has ministries for people for whom nothing is prepared, it is important to pause and remember the words above given by the Levites: “Be quiet, for this day is holy”. How often we do not silence ourselves from our daily doings to remember that this day is holy. How often when we are preparing something for others do we forget to rejoice.

Today, every day, remember this day is holy. The Lord has provided abundantly for many, hopefully from you. Rejoice in that and remember to send a portion to those for whom none has been prepared. If a portion is sent to you, rejoice that you are blessed too.

Prayerful Words

God of Joy help me rejoice in each day. While I enjoy the blessings you have given me; bless those for whom nothing is prepared and prepare me to send a portion to them so that we may rejoice together.

Devotion Author

Weber Baker
Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare.