Mar
24
2009
By Anonymous (not verified)
Readings: Ezek 47:1-9; Jn 5:1-16
... he measured off a thousand cubits and had me wade through the water, which was ankle-deep. Ezek 47:3
Today the angel of the Lord calls the prophet Ezekiel to wade into the water of trust in God's merciful love. Ezekiel responds to the angel's request by moving forward at his command.
The odd thing is that when Ezekiel trusts the angel, the water levels of the river deepen and become more perilous. Yet Ezekiel is fearless and continues to move forward through the rushing water, affirming with every step forward that the Lord is with him. The water becomes so deep at one point that he cannot cross without swimming. In spite of the risk to himself, Ezekiel remains faithful to the call of the Lord, and the angel brings him safely to the other side of the river.
God call us, too, into the rushing waters of life that are dangerous and perilous. We can become afraid and want to flee from the Lord's invitation to trust Him, often swimming away at the sound of His voice.
Why do many of us tend to react this way? Perhaps, because we know from experience that trust can be risky. Some people betray our trust in them, and we feel foolish for extending our confidence instead of playing it safe.
The good news is that, as Ezekiel's example shows, when God invites us to trust in Him, He never lets us down. How much richer life is when lived in such trust! We discover the paradox that, in spite of our outward circumstances, our safety is found in trusting in the Lord - always saying "yes" to Him and moving forward into deeper water like Ezekiel.
May our "yes" to the Lord's call this Lent help us move safely through all the obstacles of life.
O Lord, give me the strength and courage to follow Your call into the deep. Deepen my trust in You, in the knowledge that You will keep me safe from all harm. Amen.
... he measured off a thousand cubits and had me wade through the water, which was ankle-deep. Ezek 47:3
Today the angel of the Lord calls the prophet Ezekiel to wade into the water of trust in God's merciful love. Ezekiel responds to the angel's request by moving forward at his command.
The odd thing is that when Ezekiel trusts the angel, the water levels of the river deepen and become more perilous. Yet Ezekiel is fearless and continues to move forward through the rushing water, affirming with every step forward that the Lord is with him. The water becomes so deep at one point that he cannot cross without swimming. In spite of the risk to himself, Ezekiel remains faithful to the call of the Lord, and the angel brings him safely to the other side of the river.
God call us, too, into the rushing waters of life that are dangerous and perilous. We can become afraid and want to flee from the Lord's invitation to trust Him, often swimming away at the sound of His voice.
Why do many of us tend to react this way? Perhaps, because we know from experience that trust can be risky. Some people betray our trust in them, and we feel foolish for extending our confidence instead of playing it safe.
The good news is that, as Ezekiel's example shows, when God invites us to trust in Him, He never lets us down. How much richer life is when lived in such trust! We discover the paradox that, in spite of our outward circumstances, our safety is found in trusting in the Lord - always saying "yes" to Him and moving forward into deeper water like Ezekiel.
May our "yes" to the Lord's call this Lent help us move safely through all the obstacles of life.
O Lord, give me the strength and courage to follow Your call into the deep. Deepen my trust in You, in the knowledge that You will keep me safe from all harm. Amen.
mmwj
