Today’s first reading expresses the enormous enhancement brought on the Israelite men, women and children by Ezra the priest. We find Ezra and Nehemiah together, instructing the law and the method to fulfill it by “rejoicing in the Lord”. We see a tremendous shift taking place when people stop weeping and being sad, but instead choose to be joyful in the Lord.

Even in my life, in the midst of turbulence the cause of joy is the Lord. It is a common secret, when things in this life keep changing it is a fact which is stubborn and engraved in my heart that it is only God who can bring ultimate and everlasting joy in my life. Every other joy is momentary and uncertain. Thus, as the Psalmist says, we are called to cherish the law and crave for the word of God that brings life in abundance to our life. Truly, it is the word of God, which is Spirit that induces life in to any situation.

Hence, the spirit filled word that vivifies our soul, mind and body generates rivers of living waters to whom we come across, associate and surround us. The gospel narration relates to the same when the Lord Jesus Christ reads through the scroll in the Synagogue, where the spirit of the Lord had anointed him to bring glad tidings to the poor, to set captives free, bring sight to the blind and let the oppressed go free. This, was the real calling of our Savior as foretold by the prophet, and thus the very words proclaimed were fulfilled in the hearing, by the crowd.

Therefore, hearing the word of God and proclaiming it in the Holy Spirit brings results today as back in the day for it is the same Holy Spirit at work today .Are we opened and receptive to this life giving word of God ? Does the Law of God have an impact on us?

As believers can we go by feelings or sight? Of course not, we are called to keep declaring the promises of God and His, concerns and plans for our life which are good. Let us, not keep room for insecurities to try to creep in to our lives. When we read the word of God we can revert darts of the enemy, and know his plans will not prevail against us.

Prayer: Abba Father, anoint me today to proclaim your word that sets captives free. Amen.