By Fr. Nnamdi Moneme, OMV, Catholic Exchange - God wants a joyful communion with us. This is the message that the priest Ezra has for the rebellious Israelites who had returned from their banishment, “Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad and do not weep…Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength.” No matter their infidelity to God’s law in the past and the disastrous consequences of their actions, God’s word were not condemning but inviting them again to find their joy and strength in Him.