We read this morning from the fascinating Old Testament book of Ezra. The Old Testament Books of Ezra and Nehemiah detail the 50-year period after the Babylonian Captivity.
For over a hundred years, the Jews were cut off from their Temple, their families, and their land in Babylon. A while in captivity, the stories could not be told, the traditions could not be practices, the faith could not be passed on. So, a generation of Jews grew up without knowing about God freeing their people from slavery in Egypt, they grew up without knowing the promises God made to Abraham, without the knowledge of the ten commandments or the promised land. They grew up only knowing the gods and practices of Babylon-- a culture which practiced child sacrifice, polygamy, and other behaviors condemned by Jewish law.
This is not hard to imagine. So many children and grandchildren these days do not know their faith, and have been totally assimilated by the culture.
Today’s reading from Ezra details the turning point in this sad chapter. In 539 BC, the Persian King Cyrus defeated the Babylonians. A year later King Cyrus decreed that he will allow the captive Jews to return to their homeland.
And we’re told “The LORD inspired King Cyrus of Persia” to free the Jews, and he even decrees that the Jews should be assisted in rebuilding the house of God—the Temple—in Jerusalem.
In our own day, God is at work to bring about the liberation of the peoples of the world from the Babylonian captivity of sin to bring them to right worship in the Temple of God the Catholic Church. And what instrument is he using to inspire and convert the Cyrus’ of the world? Us. The Church. It’s our mission to convert hearts to God—the hearts of kings and presidents and mayors and city councilmen and union leaders and heads of businesses and heads of families.
As we are faithful to our mission—there will be liberation; but in our negligence, captivity and slavery to sin and faithlessness will perdure.
As we heard in the Gospel, we are given the light of faith, not that it may be hidden under a bushel, but that it may be shared for the good of all. May we be faithful in sharing the light of faith with those we encounter today and all days, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For the Holy Father, Francis, our Pope, that he may be aided by the Holy Spirit in leading those captive to sin home to right relationship to God through Holy Church. We pray to the Lord.
That all Christians tasked with the spread of the light of the Gospel, may be faithful to that same Gospel in every dimension of their lives. We pray to the Lord.
For all those who have fallen away from the Church, those whose lives are darkened by sin, for the conversion of all unbelievers and those who have fallen into error, and the conversion of all hearts.
For Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of September: “That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.”
That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the suffering.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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