Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
October 4, 2023
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Nehemiah 2:1-8
The reconstruction of the temple in 515 B.C., did not mark the final stage in the renovation of God’s people. The religious and secular renewal of Judah evolved further under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Nehemiah returned to Judah from Persia in 445 B.C., while Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in 398 B.C. Nehemiah concerned himself with the reconstruction of secular life. He rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and strengthened the country’s economy. Ezra busied himself with the renovation of the people’s religious life. Today’s reading shows us Nehemiah persuading the Persian king to allow him to return home to deal with the needs of his homeland.
The Lord takes care of his people in many ways. It was so then and remains so now.
