Unexpectedly, miraculously, Persian King Darius takes pity on the Israelites who are captive in Babylon, a newly acquired part of his empire. Central to his setting them free is his direction, God’s direction, that they return to Jerusalem to resume worship in the Temple. Within the year, the Israelites are indeed gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate a holy day. Although the Babylonians had burned the Temple to the ground, a new altar was built on the remnants of the old one so that worship could be resumed, particularly the sacrifices prescribed in the sacred law. Part of this worship was the sound of priestly singing accompanied by trumpets and cymbals as in the time of King David. The sound of this liturgical music and the scent of sacrifices being made move the people to both shouts joy and weeping.
When has liturgy moved you to a feeling of great joy? When has it moved you to a feeling of deep sorrow? How was each important and meaningful?