Feast of Booths - November 10

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82; Neh. 7:73b-8:3,5-18 Rev. 18:21-24; Matt. 15:29-39

Yesterday, there was a funeral at Saint Stephen’s for longtime member Gary Bonds, a friend to so many across our Birmingham community. Hundreds of people gathered. The nave overflowed. More and more copies of bulletins were printed and carried up the stairs. Extra chairs were set up in the narthex and hallway. There was standing room only. People who had long history together gathered. They wept, they heard comforting music played on violin and piano, they prayed. Words from a lifelong friend and a brave, honest, loving son were offered. The Good News was proclaimed and preached. And we processed to the Parish Hall for a reception, singing “When the Saints Go Marching In”, met with the aroma of fresh flowers and tempting treats. It felt like an odd sort of homecoming following a long time of exile, finally gathering for a long-awaited reunion.

As I read Nehemiah this morning, I heard another people’s story of long-awaited reunion, after a long time of exile. They shared mutual loss, clinging to good memories of the time before, and looking for the comfort and promise of today and the days to come.

In Nehemiah, what is described is the Feast of Booths or the Feast of Tabernacles. In Hebrew it is referred to as Sukkot, a sort of New Year’s festival, based upon the new moon sighted in Israel indicating the seventh month. This weeklong celebration is referenced at various points in Holy Scripture: Exodus, Leviticus, Zechariah, Nehemiah, and even in the Gospel according to John. The version we read today is from Nehemiah-Ezra. Ezra the priest came forward and opened the book of the law in front of all the people. The people – who had returned home from exile in Babylon – stood up. Ezra blessed God, calling the Creator good. All the people responded, “Amen, Amen!” He read from the book, from the law of God. Others read it, too. They offered interpretation. They studied the law so that the people understood.

This was no average group Bible study! This was a really emotional homecoming – a return to hearing the word of God, after such a long time being away. There was weeping with joy and mourning all that was lost. Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and the Levites who taught the people said, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” They were told to go celebrate on this holy day, enjoying good food and sharing it with others who had less – and were reminded to hold fast to the strength and joy given by God.

The words in Nehemiah 8:10 hang with me: do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. While we may hurt and feel anguish or self-doubt, what keeps us grounded in safety is the joy and gladness of God, who is our refuge in times of trouble.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Ezra and Nehemiah remind the people to celebrate and then share the bounty with those who are not prepared. When have you not felt prepared? What comes to mind when you remember those times? Who around you is needing to enjoy some of the bounty on your table or in your heart?

Daily Challenge

Spend some time reading about the Festival of Booths in the Bible. Where do you find similarities among the stories? What is different? What are the ways Jews today remember Sukkot?