Nehemiah 8:1-3, 4-6, 8-10

Epiphany 3 - Year C

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 4-6, 8-10

Once again, all the news that's fit to print, isn't all the news. Even as others as illustrious as Moses have needed help to hold up their hands, Ezra needed others on the platform with him. Likewise, additional others were needed to teach, reinforce, and interpret all the had heard.

When these helpers are left out of the story we have extracted experience from creed. Imagine a Bible reader and a bunch of people. Pretty boring. It is in the interaction in community, beyond a printed page, where life happens. Verse 9c wouldn't have "the people weeping" simply from hearing - the interpreters were and are key and they were left out of this pericope.

Before placing too much on your dulcet tones intoning a communal covenant, remember those standing with you, near or far, and those who will be striving to help others make sense out of what comes out of your mouth. Go ahead, name these folks. The revelation you have to impart will only be enhanced by the naming. You are not in this alone: we're in it together - Ezra and Meshullam and Kelita and you and I.