Saturday 25 May 2013
- Bible Book:
- Ezekiel
“So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.’ I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.” (vv. 7-10)
Background
Ezekiel was living and prophesying at a time when the communityof Israel was in exile and decimated. Like dry and bleached bonesthey are spread out on the valley floor with an illustrious pastbut no future. Their hope of new life is totally dependent on theliving word of God being spoken over them by the prophet. Theirhope of resurrection depends entirely on the breath, the wind, thespirit of the living God.
To Ponder
- The Spirit that breathes creation into existence is the Spiritthat overshadows Mary at the incarnation (
- Try praying this traditional prayer: "Come from the four winds,O Breath of God, and breathe upon the dry bones of those who saythey are yours."
- The hymnbooks are full of songs about the Holy Spirit. "