Readings:
Ezekiel 6-9
2 Corinthians 9

Ezekiel 6-9

In case they forget, Israel is once again reminded that the reason they’re in this situation is idolatry. Plain and simple, all the other things they’d done could be forgiven and forgotten, but idolatry gets into the soul and changes a person. A person trying to follow God might slip and fall but their heart is generally ordered to seeking God, but when they start going after other gods they become estranged from the one true God and don’t seek forgiveness and reconciliation like before. Of all the sins listed in the mosaic covenant, only worshiping foreign gods was given the explicit punishment of expulsion from the land.

God takes Ezekiel in the spirit to Jerusalem where he sees multiple desecrations of the city and temple with idolatry. Since Ezekiel was a priest, but one loyal to God, he would’ve been horrified to see what his fellow priests were doing in Jerusalem since he had been exiled. Remember, he’s from the first wave of exiles, and the second exile along with the destruction of Jerusalem was still years off.

He had probably lived through some of the idolatrous cults that had come and gone in Jerusalem, but now the temple priests were leading the Levites in worship of idols and the sun as a god. Every time he was shown something he’d be warned that the next abomination was worse.

He sees a man in the temple and the glory of God follows this man through the city while he places a mark upon the heads of those who are mourning the abominations taking place in Jerusalem. Then the destroyers are unleashed on the city to destroy those who are unmarked. There’s definitely a connection between the mark described by John in revelation and the one described here. I’m sure first century Jewish converts who read his writings would’ve immediately associated it with Ezekiel and his marks.

2 Corinthians 9

Paul reminds them of their pledges from the previous year and wants to make sure they follow through on it. Partly because he’s been boasting about how generous the people of Corinth are, but also because the people in Jerusalem are really in great need of the support.

But as much as it seems like he’s twisting their arms for donations, he makes it clear that he wants them to donate willingly and cheerfully. The widow that gave her last coin was more blessed than the Pharisees specifically because she did it freely, willingly and without seeking praise.

Almsgiving rejoices the giver and renews the receiver. Joyful and cheerful, then, is the one who attends to the poor, for he acquires heavenly treasures by a few small coins; and unlike the taxpayer, who is compelled by penalties, he is urged by love and invited by rewards

Maximus of Turin

Tomorrow’s Readings:
Ezekiel 10-12
2 Corinthians 10