Scripture Study for

Ezra was the religious leader of the Jewish community that had recently returned from the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah led the people back and then supervised the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. During a liturgical event,  Ezra, acting in his capacity as priest, opens the scroll and interprets the law for those present. For their part, the people stand in respect for the words that they hear. His reading is more liturgical than historical, with some of the details of the narrative meant for future generations that will read the account as part of their own liturgical recommitment to the law. 

Paul continues his instruction on the diversity found within the community by using the analogy of the body. In the body, each part has its own unique function,  but all parts work for the good of the whole. This figure of speech characterizes several aspects of the ideal Christian community. It portrays unity in diversity; it underscores the absence of competition among members, since no one activity is elevated above the others; it underscores the interdependence that exists within the community. The unity within the community is based on common baptism.  Cultural and gender differences will remain, but they will not determine one’s membership within the community. 

The author of the Gospel reading claims that, though not an eyewitness to the events that he recounts, his reports are part of the authoritative tradition of the church and therefore can be trusted. He then tells how Jesus returned to Nazareth, his hometown, and attended the synagogue service there. After reading a passage from Isaiah, Jesus made a bold claim: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” In this way he announced that he was the one filled with the Spirit as spoken of by the prophet; he was the one who would inaugurate the hoped-for year of deliverance; he was the one who would launch the long awaited era of fulfillment.