This morning’s reading is from the Old Testament. In this passage, Moses shares one of God’s commandments to the people of Israel.
Reading 1 Dt 6:4-13
“Moses said to the people: "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates…”
This verse is traditionally the verse that is kept inside the Mezuzah, a small plaque, at the doorposts of the homes of many Jewish families. It is kept there to remind one each time one enters and exits the home of God’s covenant with us. Jewish households place the Mezuzah at an angle with the top pointing toward the door entry (symbolizing the inside of the home) and the bottom away from the door entry (or toward the outside).
Although our family is Catholic, the beauty of this tradition inspired us to place a Mezuzah (which holds this scripture inside) on our doorpost several years ago. Ours is placed vertically. Each year, we also pray and Bless our home with the Catholic tradition of the chalking of the home on the Day of the Epiphany; the Day Jesus revealed Himself to the world. The students enjoy learning about these ancient traditions and the meaning behind the Scripture that inspires them.
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