Promises

 LECTIO:

Ezekiel 37:12-14

Thus says the Lord GOD: 
O my people, I will open your graves 
and have you rise from them, 
and bring you back to the land of Israel.
Then you shall know that I am the LORD, 
when I open your graves and have you rise from them, 
O my people!
I will put my spirit in you that you may live, 
and I will settle you upon your land; 
thus you shall know that I am the LORD.
I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.

STUDIUM:

Immediately before these verses, Ezekiel was talking to the dry bones. Ezekiel 37: 1-14  Here, he is still talking to the dead.  The people are still in exile in Babylonia.  They are wondering what happened to their chosen relationship to God.  Note that Ezekiel tells them that God "promised and will do it!"

The Israelites will be restored to their homeland.  Thus, becoming a new creation before the Lord.  

The new Christians are still journeying to their baptism.  This reading should help them reflect on the new life promised them, at Easter.

MEDITATIO:

God promises.  He assures us that if He promises, He does it.  Why does it take so long?  The poor Israelites have waited how many generations to go back home?  Who can blame them when they lose faith and hope?  It reminds me when I ask my husband a yes or no question.  It's maddening when he doesn't answer.  I'll ask him, "how am I to tell the difference between you didn't hear me, you're thinking, I don't want to commit, or you're angry?" His silence could be any of those meanings.  God should know this.  OK, He does know and is silent on purpose to test our faith.  I remind Him that He created impatient people who need CONSTANT reassurance.  

ORATIO:

Lord, I'm sorry for being upset with You.  I'll try to have more faith, hope, and patience.  I can't do anything to force You to do anything, anyway.  You are God and I am not.

CONTEMPLATIO:

Lord, increase my faith.