“Under [the cedar tree] every kind of bird will live;
in the shade of its branches will nest
winged creatures of every kind.”
Read the poem. Ezekiel 17:22-24
Here in scripture is a midweek poem. We need theology in poems and parables on our way through Holy Week. Ezekiel has a great imagination and when he needs to assure ancient Israel of a way forward during a hard time, he turns to images of tender twigs that grow and shelter a new community.
Read Ezekiel’s poem aloud. Ezekiel 17:22-24
See the images through the eyes of your heart.
What’s happening now in the middle of your week? What’s happening in the world?
Does it seem like things are falling apart? Are we less kind to one another as our divisions widen? What are our losses? Are we seeing cracks in our cherished institutions and finding ourselves holding fiercely to our own known truths? Are we learning more about a legacy of white privilege, white supremacy, anti-black racism? What is moving us to courageous and faithful action these days?
In the middle of Holy Week, we pause. We are poised for the next moment of life. This is a time, perhaps like no other in our lifetime, for trust, for hope.
There is suffering to come, for sure, and betrayals too.
There is loss and hurt and brokenness in community.
The world is changing.
We are afraid.
The world is changing …
And yet, those who see the new will live anew.
Let us be attentive.
You are above all, beneath all, around all, within all, SHELTERING GOD.
You call us to a new consciousness of Love, a love that places us in the nest together, a love that desires flourishing for all beings. All. Beings.
A radical love rooted in a world You love.
You sent your own to show us the Way.
We’re on the way. Let us not lose heart. Amen.
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