The first reading comes from the words of the Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel describes himself as an exile from Jerusalem. He had been a prisoner of war, taken by the Babylonians in 587 BCE off to the land of Babylon (Iraq.)
His book is a combination of doom and hope...in fact, it can almost be divided right down the middle...the first half being composed of oracles of doom for Israel, and the last half being a collection of oracles and visions of hope for a better future.
He is most remembered for two visions: one of the chariot of God, with its mystifying wheels within wheels. This vision has led to an entire mystical framework within Judaism...a profound and humble attempt to live in the Presence of the Lord of Life in meditation, in prayer, and in ecstatic longing. The other vision for which he is known is that of the "Dry Bones" representing a defeated Israel, lying strewn about on the desert floor of the Middle East. "Can these bones live?" God asked Ezekiel. For all purposes it was a rhetorical question, since it was obvious they could not. And Ezekiel replied, "Only you, O God, know." And with that answer he put himself in touch with the creative power of the Lord of Possibilities. And as the vision continued, the bones were given life and knowledge of God and meaning and purpose. New life from death, that's his message.
So, Ezekiel tries to move the consciousness of the people from death to hope, and not through military might, but through a resurrection of the human spirit. They were to become all they were capable of becoming...a people strong and successful, well-trained and spiritually deep. They would be a gift to the earth. From their metaphorical resurrection from death, they would be a beacon for all peoples.
Was Jesus trying to do the same thing in Nazareth? Was he trying to move people from a deep resentment of Roman occupation and the feeling of defeat to a place of inspiration. Was he trying to suggest that they might become a "tutor" to the Romans, making them a better people by becoming all that they, themselves, could become: well-trained and spiritually profound? We will never know. The words of what he was "teaching" that day were not recorded. Only the reaction to those words found its way into the text, and that was "incredulity?" Where did he get THIS? Who does he think he is? From that reaction, I should imagine that his message was something they didn't want to hear...and the main thing they didn't want to hear was "love your enemy." No one ever does want to hear that.
But the message remains the same, whether Ezekiel says it or whether Jesus says it: If you would move from death to life, and be all that you can become, then work on two levels....prepare yourself to be successful at what it is you wish to do, and find your spiritual depth...which always involves a deep kindness and generosity. Your life will become a blessing and a beacon of peace.
So, today, you and I are asked to do work that is both inner and outer. The outer work is to advance in our training. Do you have your certificate to do electrical work? Cut hair? Do brain surgery? If you would seek the greatness of "new life," then you must press on. There is more to know, more to learn. Always be a learner. Always try to be better at what you do. AND, don't forget the source and the end of all knowledge. Deepen your soul as you move toward God. For you must also learn to be better at WHO you ARE. It is this union of intellect and soul, heart and mind, that is always at the heart of the Catholic tradition. It always has been and it always will be. It comes from the biblical text, from the prophets and from Jesus, and ultimately from the Voice of the Living God. We are called to make our lives benedictions of understanding and charity in a world that needs those graces so desperately. May you grow this week. And may God bless you all. +
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