MONDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Ez 1: 2-5, 24-28 Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14 Mt 17: 22-27
LIVING THE FAITH
Ezekiel is giving us the date of an encounter with YHWH which initiated his prophetic career. The beginning text gives us the name of the prophet. We are told that he is a priest. His encounter with YHWH happened in the land of the Chaldeans. The prophet is about to describe an experience by the Chebar canal that he had when he was among the exiles. Visions are a feature of the Ezekiel scroll. The first vision is typical of Ancient Near East mythology to have a god coming in a storm cloud, borne by terrifying supernatural beings. God comes out of the north (Ps 48:3). The mythical language is used by the Torah with the description of YHWH on Mount Sinai (Ex 19) and Psalm 18.
In verse 24 the sound is compared to a cataract (waterfall), like the thunder of the Almighty. The sound of the moving wings of the cherubim gives way to the voice from above the dome, the voice of YHWH. The cherubim are silent as we await divine communication. God appears to Ezekiel in a form that resembles a human form (v. 26). The shimmering of silver and gold offers a stunning image of glory and transcendence. God’s presence is associated with light and splendour. The divine light referred to as Kabod or glory is seen in Ex 16:9-10, 1 Kgs 8:10-11, Ps 29 etc. This vision conveys God’s majesty, power, and sovereignty. How do I respond to challenging circumstances? Do I believe that God is in control?
Today’s Responsorial psalm emphasizes that all creation recognizes God’s greatness and joins in worship. Can we cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise God for his faithfulness? In the gospel, Jesus predicts His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Like Jesus, can we surrender our plans to the Lord? The coin in the fish’s mouth teaches us about God’s providence. As we understand God’s character, let us respond to His truth, by living our faith, in our everyday lives.
Response: Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
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