Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20 / Luke 8:19-21
The Temple that was mentioned in the 1st reading was completed around 450 BC.
It was built on the site of the 1st Temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians about a hundred years earlier.
The exiles that came back to build this Temple met with a lot of resistance.
One of the problem was from the Samaritans, who tried to block their efforts.
At times, the workmen found themselves building with one hand and fighting off their enemies with another.
And on top of that, the crops failed during that year.
Those were certainly not just teething problems.
But when eventually the Temple was completed, the people rejoiced and celebrated.
This experience of the Jews serves to remind us that perseverance and commitment do not go wasted or uncounted.
Especially so when our perseverance and commitment to God is put to the test.
Hearing the Word of God must lead us to do His will, and that will demand perseverance and commitment.
It is when we do the will of God despite the difficulties that we show that we are brothers and sisters of Jesus.