Today we hear from prophet Ezekiel, about a vision of a scroll, in which Ezekiel is called to be God’s spokesperson. God speaks to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man,” a term that is used often in the book of Ezekiel, but rarely in any other books in the Old Testament. Perhaps the term “son of man” is used to emphasize the divide that exists between a transcendent God and human beings here on earth. God asks Ezekiel to listen carefully to what he has to say. God tells him: “Be not like this house of rebellion,” characterizing the people of Israel. Instead, he is to be dutiful and obedient. Even though the scroll includes “lamentation and wailing and woe,” it tastes sweet when Ezekiel is instructed to eat it. Though these words are tough, strong, and direct, perhaps God’s word is always sweet because it is done out of love and mercy.
I find it challenging sometimes to unpack the message of the prophets like Ezekiel who deliver a message that often challenging and enigmatic. I think of my work as Vicar General of the Diocese. Not that it is exactly the same as being a prophet, but sometimes I have to deliver a message to my fellow priests that is tough and direct and not what they want to hear. May the word of God penetrate our hearts and our lives like it did in the life and work of the prophet Ezekiel.
Today, we celebrate St Clare of Assisi, a saint who was born in Italy at the end of the 12th century. Like her mentor and guide, St Francis of Assisi, Clare came from a wealthy family. She gave up her wealth and privilege in order to follow Christ with all of her heart and soul. Clare founded a monastic religious order in the Franciscan tradition called the Order of the Poor Ladies. After her death, the Order was renamed the Order of St Clare. Today, that religious order is commonly referred to as the Poor Claires. We unite our prayers with the prayers of St Clare today.
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