We read from the Book of Ezra and the Prophet Haggai this week, two important sources describing the Restoration period in Jewish history,, when a small Jewish community returns to Judea around 520 after exile in Babylon, thanks to the Persian king Cyrus.

Jewish history, like Christian history afterwards, is not unrelated to our own experience as a church today. The restoration of the temple and its liturgy is a key task Ezra and Nehemiah undertakes. It was a key task undertaken by the Second Vatican Council. 

This week’s readings from Luke’s gospel are from chapters 8-9,  part of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, which prepares his disciples for his great journey to Jerusalem.

Padre Pio is remembered on Tuesday, The Passionist bishop, Vincent Strambi is remembered on Wednesday, September 24. Vincent De Paul on Saturday.