Homily: Twentieth Friday of Ordinary Time

Twentieth Friday of Ordinary Time (Ezekiel 37:1-14) “Pull Yourselves Together”

The oracle about the dry bones is probably the most famous Ezekiel ever wrote. Ezekiel lived in Babylon at the time of the Exile. His words reflect the despair the people were feeling. Bones were considered the core of a person. Bones were the last part of the body to remain after decomposition of the flesh. Often the Israelites would go to the tomb after several years and they would collect bones and put them in a smaller box called an ossuary that would be buried a second time.

When we have a deep physical or emotional feeling, we often say that we can sense it in our bones. We have all heard someone say that they are chilled to the bones or my bones ache. For the Jews someone could feel the most difficult mental anguish in their bones.

In Psalm 31 the write says in his song of lament, “my strength has failed through affliction, and my bones are consumed.” In Psalm 102 the writer says, “For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn away like fire.” Aching and burning in the bones are equated with great mental anguish.

We add to this the vision of Ezekiel where he sees a valley of human bones bleaching in the sun. The life is completely gone from them. The flesh has rotted away. The vision represents the total despondency of Israel. The people feel like their national identity has been destroyed. They will never return home.

But Ezekiel sees the bones begin drawn back together. He reminds the people that Adam was a lifeless pile of mud, but then the spirit came, and Adam lived. The spirit of God blows across the dried bones and the bones are pulled back together, flesh forms and there is new life. Ezekiel reassures the people with his words. All is not lost. God has the power to bring life out what is lifeless.

Even when we feel low and lifeless God is with us. God can bring us back to life even when all seems lost.

Reflection Questions:

1.    When have I felt hopeless? Why did I feel that way?

2.    When I look back at that time was God with me? How do I know?

 Dear Parishioners,

           We are continuing to recruit new choir members. The adult choir is coming back together after suspending its activities two years ago because of COVID. The choir would like to start singing in September twice a month at the 11 a.m. Mass. We have choir members who because of ill health are unable to return so we need to replace them. Could you inspire others with your voice. You don’t need to read music, but you do need to be able to practice twice a month.

          Beautiful liturgy requires beautiful music. Please call Cheryl Bolt at our office and she will help you get started. Donate your talents today.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for our divided world today.

          Fr. Mark