A reading from the book of the prophet Nehemiah.

On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of women, men and those children old enough to understand.  Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, Ezra read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the women, the men, and those children old enough to understand; and all these people listened attentively to the book of the law.  Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion.  Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as it was opened. all the people rose.  Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered.  “Amen, amen!”  Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before Yahweh, their faces to the ground.

Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.  Then Ezra the scribe said to all the people: ”Today is holy to our Savior your God.  Do not be sad, and do not weep” – for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.  He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our God.  Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in Yahweh must be your strength!”

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Nehemiah.

R: Your words, O God, are spirit and life.

Your law, O God, is perfect;

it refreshes the soul.

Your rule is to be trusted;

it gives wisdom to the simple.

R: Your words, O God, are spirit and life.

Your precepts, O God, are right;

they gladden the heart.

Your command is clear;

it gives light to the eyes.

R: Your words, O God, are spirit and life.

Fear of You, O God, is holy,

abiding forever.

Your decrees are faithful,

and all of them just.

R: Your words, O God, are spirit and life.

May the spoken word of my mouth,

the thoughts of my heart,

Win favor in Your sight, O God,

my rescuer, my rock!

R: Your words, O God, are spirit and life.