The first reading in today's liturgy is a reminder to us that God desires that his family be together, not divided and dispersed. He will do all he can to bring his people together.
It is no different today. Some of the sons and daughters of God have gone off to lands of their own choosing. Drawn by the power of sin, the allurements of Satan, some have split off from the grace-filled kingdom of God on earth. Ezekiel's prophecy is a reminder to us that it is God's will to have his sons and daughters alive, well, excited, creative, and serving in his kingdom on earth. For what purpose? To prepare themselves for his kingdom in heaven.
No person, following serious reflection and discernment, would want to be exiled from God. Yet there are times when the flavor of Satan's ice cream is so much sweeter and comforting. This is when exile really does not seem to be too difficult. Surely I wish for the kingdom of God but not so strongly as to desire it no matter the cost.
And where are these lands of exile today? First and foremost, following almost 38 years of hearing confessions, it is so easy and thrilling to rent a few acres in the land of pornography. Or perhaps there is a wonderful tour guide who wants to lead you through the enticing back roads of cheating on a spouse. Then, too, there are the broad vistas of unethical business practices that fatten the wallet.
These destructive excursions away from their Creator God. These are escapades that destroy personalities, break apart good marriages, totally confuse young children when divorce occurs, when one parent hasto move away for a new job at special housing village -- a prison or jail.
Just as God did all he could to build his notion after their times of exile, he wants today to listen to his speaking in our hearts. Follow my son! Listen to him! If you are in an exile moment in your life, look at a crucifix like the one pictured above.Jesus is reaching out to you, calling you to return to him and the Father. Are you strong enough to take his hand? This is what your Lenten exercises have been doing for you -- building your strength to pull yourself up to be with Jesus not only in his suffering but in his rising to new life as well.
