“Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep” – for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drink, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:9b-10

The people hear the words of Scripture. They understand, and it causes them to weep. They weep because they recognize the gap between God’s teaching and their lives. Nehemiah encourages the people. He tells them not to weep but to celebrate with a feast and share with those who do not have food. The day is holy to God and he wants the people to connect with the joy of the Lord. 

Every weekend when we gather for Mass, we gather on a day that is holy to the Lord. We come to Mass to connect with the joy of the Lord. We come together to find strength to live our daily lives with joy and love. 

Pray today for joy. Ask God that his joy would be your strength.