22 September 2021

For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem.
Ezra 9:5-9, NRSV

The scribe and scholar, Ezra, had led groups of Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. At the start of this reading we hear of Ezra’s distress on hearing of  the behaviour of some of the people since their return to Jerusalem. Some of the Jews, including priests, had broken the Jewish Law by marrying pagans and abandoning their religious customs and beliefs. Ezra’s fear was that if this continued, there was a real danger that this would lead to their permanent downfall. In his distress and shame for the actions of his people, Ezra knelt in prayer and confessed the past and current sins of the people. Ezra also recalled God’s kindness in spite of their sins in bringing them to a place of shelter and safety.

• • Do you think that the Jewish people realised the possible consequence of their actions?
  • Should we, like Ezra, confess and ask forgiveness for the sins of others?

Reflect on the opportunities you have been given to make a fresh start.