Daily Reflection
of Creighton University's Online Ministries
-----
August 22nd, 2014
by
Chas Kestermeier, S.J.
English Department
Click here for a photo of and information on this writer.

Memorial of the Queenship of Mary
[423] Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Matthew 22:34-40

If we pay attention to Ezekiel's text concerning the dry bones we can see that it is a figure Ezekiel aims at Israel and its infidelity to the Lord and his law, but we can also see that it fits our pagan modern society just as well. 

Too many of us have our bones connected logically and properly, but they are without life: they just go through their lives day by day as they wish, just looking for enough pleasure to get by.  Such people have no goal and no growth; they are already dead even though they have not yet lain down at the end of this time that is our earthly chance to choose who we will be in the next life.

Others of us are driven, active, and seeking a goal, albeit a poorly-defined success which amounts to money, power, or status and popularity: we have a flesh that is active, but we are still not really alive, merely adolescents following a materialist program.

It is only when the Spirit comes to us that we are able to gain real life and to receive what the Lord has prepared for us --- but this happens only to the extent that we let go of all that is merely earthly, right down to who and what we are and the goals we insist on pursuing. 

Into our lives the Lord sends prophets, men and women who bear his word, a most effective word.  Consider how Ezekiel receives that word (2:1-11), sweet in his mouth but bitter and filling his heart with anger.  The prophetic words of Ezekiel are powerful here, fulfilling the will of the Lord and bringing life to those who truly wish to become the Lord's people. 

We are not only members of that people, we are also the chosen ones whom  the Lord entrusts with that word, that mission, that witness, that healing and giving of life, true life.  Here in Ezekiel's text the Lord promises to Israel that ”I will settle you upon your land”: His promises in the Old Testament are wealth, children, long life, and real estate, still all very earthly. 

For us who know the living Christ, though, we look forward to much more, to everlasting life and bliss in knowing Christ, his Father, and their Spirit personally and affectionately.  We will not be dry bones, not even bones covered with flesh but doomed to futile lives.  We will be living with the full and true life of God.

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