Sunday, August 23, 2020
Edward Gooch: Ezekiel’s Vision
A Rebellious House
The prophet Ezekiel writes about the time of captivity when the people of Israel were conquered by their enemies. Leaders and the intelligentsia are carried away while a faithful remnant remains to live in the ruins of what was once a splendid city. A culture that had been the envy of all peoples goes underground and clings to the God who has lead and protected them through millennia. Chaos arrives when corruption flourishes, and those close to the center of power enable lies and deceit. Status, wealth and comfort trump charity, empathy and authentic living. This is, indeed, a rebellious house. And in the midst of pandemic, we take time to reflect on our own rebellious house.
They have eyes to see but do not see. Some of us persist in imagining a reality that does not exit.
They have ears to hear but do not hear. Sometimes we insist on imposing a point of view.
For they are a rebellious house. At times we are infatuated with our own importance.
Prepare your baggage as though for an exile. We affirm evil when we and neglect science and biology.
Migrate from where you live to another place. We must step out of our old selves to encounter the new.
I did as I was told. I set out in darkness and shouldered my burden. We must take responsibility for our silence or inaction.
The prince who is among them shall shoulder his burden and set out in darkness. The truth will always reveal itself.
Ezekiel lives in exile with an exiled people and many of us may feel as though we also live in a place and time that are unrecognizable. But our hope lies in the promise and grace of the God who loves and forgives, nurtures and heals. Our future lies in opening our ears more than our mouths, opening our hearts more than our eyes. There are times when we alone cannot resolve entrenched violence or evil; and it is at those times that we might take up the gift of God’s love as we head out into exile with our baggage prepared.
When we discover that we live in a rebellious house and fear begins to rise, as we prepare our baggage for the next leg in our journey, let us remind one another that there is always hope when we come together in solidarity for the truth. Let us arm ourselves with integrity, curiosity, empathy, and humility. Let us remember that in darkness there is always an opportunity for the light. Ezekiel tells us . . . Son of man, you live in the midst of a rebellious house. Let us recognize Christ in one another, join our hands, open our hearts, and come together in the mind of Christ.
For another reflection on this citation, enter the word While they were looking on into the blog search bar and explore.
Image from: https://www.learnreligions.com/introduction-to-the-book-of-ezekiel-701131
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