Imagine, if you will, the terrible history the Jewish people had to endure when natural disasters, invading armies, internal deceit, immorality, etc., etc., that have been described by the prophets, especially Ezekiel whose writings we are reading at the present time. What must a prophet think as he looks at the horrible reality that has befallen the Jewish people primarily because of individuals sinfulness of one shade or another.
Now imagine if you witnessed the Jewish people when they heard the words of Ezekiel that we read today. After all the doom and gloom, what a reaffirmation is given to the people and to each person who seeks to follow Jesus Christ. Through the words of Ezekiel we are witnesses to the promised fulfillment of God's promised words and acts. As we are gifted with an assurance that God will cleanse us from our own sinful ways. These assuring words from God should stir up wonder and gratitude in our own souls and hearts. What a marvelous way to experience the reaction of a God who has been offended by sin.
Imagine how you would feel if you have a major medical issue and a doctor hands you a pill that will "you give a new heart" and "place a new spirit within you". Or consider this: you have serious difficulties that weigh heavily upon you and you meet a holy person who says, "I will pray that God will remove the stony feelings and give you a new spirit." In just a few days your life changes and you don't know why. You don't? You're missing the boat if you don't know why!
Surely such is what happens each time we seek God's loving forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We truly become a new people, each of us, individually! So, let us pray today that whenever our hearts are distant or stony, we will remember that God will regard us with a new relationship. His is the glory. His is the Kingdom. And he always brings you back to it.
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Just imagine the feelings of those soldiers on the last armed vehicle that crossed through the gates from Iraq into Kuwait this evening. Perhaps there may be a similar feeling as the Jewish people returned to their land, war ended.
