First Reading:  Ezekiel 2:2-5

Called in the Face of Opposition

Ezekiel's call to prophecy was the longest in any of the prophetic books. It's timing was also unique. Ezekiel was called to prophecy after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 597 B.C. The prophet served those in the Babylonian exile.

Standing before the throne of God (a vision described in 1:4-28), Ezekiel cowered low. Then, he received the Spirit, stood up, and heard his commission. (Only the Spirit can give one the power to stand before God.) His prophecy would be to a stubborn people, so filled with self-pity and despair, with such hardened hearts, they would reject his message. But, strangely, their rejection would confirm the presence of God in the message. Indeed, if the people could receive the message and understand their plight, that would be the first step back to the Lord. It would be a step in repentance. God gave Ezekiel an impossible task. But his words would eventually bear fruit.

Even today, people do not want to hear God's message of repentance. Our words of faith many times fall on deaf ears. Our efforts towards evangelization seem to be wasted. In these times, we should remember Ezekiel who was rejected by the exile population. God worked even through his rejection. We should have the same faith as the "old, crazy prophet."

When has your efforts to share faith met opposition or indifference? How have those road blocks discouraged you? How have they redoubled your efforts?