Theme: Daily Scripture
“And when I had heard this word, I rent my mantle and my coat, and plucked off the hairs of my head and my beard, and I sat down mourning.”
Reflection for Today
Let Ezra 9:3 speak first, before our plans and worries do: “And when I had heard this word, I rent my mantle and my coat, and plucked off the hairs of my head and my beard, and I sat down mourning.”
Ezra is part of the long story of salvation. Catholics receive it as inspired Scripture, a word that prepares the heart for Christ and still nourishes the Church. A single verse can meet us differently depending on the season we are in: grief, gratitude, fatigue, or new beginnings.
If nothing else remains from this page, let one phrase of Ezra 9:3 remain. Pray a decade of the Rosary with this verse in mind. Ask Mary to teach you how to keep God's word and ponder it, as she did.
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit. Open the Scriptures to me as You opened them to the apostles. In Ezra 9:3 I hear, “And when I had heard this word, I rent my mantle and my coat, and plucked off the…” Give me understanding, give me desire, and give me the grace to obey with joy. Amen.
Share God's Word with Friends
Spread the inspiration! Share today's verse with your friends and family.