This past Sunday, in the Gospel, we heard about Jesus journeying to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where he had an encounter with the Canaanite woman. Today, as we continue to hear from the prophet Ezekiel in our first readings in our daily masses this week, we hear of Ezekiel’s encounter with the prince of Tyre. As Ezekiel has had a harsh foreboding message to the people of Israel throughout his ministry, his words to the prince of Tyre are equally harsh and condemning. Tyre was a Phoenician city on the coast of the Mediterranean in what is now modern-day Lebanon. Ezekiel accuses the ruler of Tyre for his haughtiness of heart, for the way he puts himself on par with God. Because of this kingdom’s wealth and power, they feel a sense of arrogance and omnipotence, that they are above everyone else. Yet, the prophet tells that they will be overrun by a foreign power, that they will be humbled and put to shame and destruction, foretelling the invasion of the Babylonians that will soon occur.
In our own day, we see those who are changed by wealth and power, those who put it above everything else, even God. Yet, whether we are rich or poor, highly educated or illiterate, powerful or on the margins, all of that which divides us can disappear in an instant. Some think they can control destiny, some think they have control over everything in their lives, but in the end, it is just an illusion. We will all be judged by God when our days on earth are over. Jesus came to us as a servant. Are we above that ourselves?
No comments:
Post a Comment