19th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 13th August 2024 – Ezekiel 2,8-3,4; Mt 18,1-5,10-14
Vision to be God’s Messenger
In the first reading, Ezekiel begins his ministry as a prophet through the vision of the scroll. He is called to be God’s spokesperson, like Jeremiah and Isaiah. In the first place, he is called to listen carefully to what God has to say and not to be like the people who are rebellious and disobedient. Then, the prophet is asked to take the scroll of God’s Word and consume it. He is not asked to read and know it, but to eat and devour it, so that it becomes a part of him. Following the Lord’s instructions, Ezekiel eats the scroll. When Isaiah was being called by Yahweh, his mouth had been touched by a seraph. In the case of Jeremiah, Yahweh had put his words into the prophet’s mouth. Here Ezekiel uses this graphic image to show how God’s word becomes part of him, in order to share with the people of Israel. Unlike most ancient scrolls, it is written on both sides. The implication is that it is totally filled with God’s word and God’s judgment on his people. Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel’s mission was first to communicate God’s displeasure with his people and to warm them of their faithfulness. Later on, again like Jeremiah, he will preach a message of hope.
