Ezekiel is one of the three “Major” Prophets – so called because of the length of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a priest who was among the first group of persons deported by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem in 597 BCE.

The Book of Ezekiel is in three parts: (1) Chapters 1 to 24 are prophesies of doom against Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE; (2) Chapters 25 to 32 are prophesies against foreign nations; and (3) Chapters 33 to 48 are prophesies of hope for the Judeans written during the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BCE).

Today’s reading is the “Valley of the Dry Bones” in which Ezekiel is called by YHWH to “prophesy” (speak for God) to the bones (which is a metaphor for the Judeans). Just as YHWH gave life to the “adam” (the earthling made from fertile earth in Genesis) by putting breath/spirit/life in him, the LORD says breath will be put in the dry bones (v. 5) and sinews will bind the bones together (v. 6). After this happens, breath/wind/life comes to those slain (v. 9) and a multitude stood on its feet. The “multitude” continues the metaphor of the people of Judea who will be restored to Jerusalem.

Romans 8:6-11

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.

In today’s reading, Paul contrasts (a) flesh and sin with (b) the Spirit, the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. “Flesh” is a shorthand word Paul uses for the values of the world: selfishness, self-centeredness and the desire for power and wealth. It is contrary to “righteousness” – being in right relationships with God, with others and with the world. “Flesh” is not intended as a substitute for physical sins such as lust. Similarly, “sin” as used by Paul is best understood as “sinfulness” or living according to the inclinations of the “flesh” – all of which will lead to the “death” (v. 6) of an unfulfilled life that is not in right relation with God.

The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ bring life and peace (v. 6) – a peace that passes all understanding – and a life of righteousness (v.10).