On Mission

A Reflection on the First Reading for Sunday, July 7th, 2024:
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Ezekiel
​2.3-5

A spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard one speaking to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a Prophet among them.”

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

The First Reading for this Sunday recounts a commissioning story. God is sending Ezekiel on a prophetic mission with authoritative instruction. The prophet’s mission is daunting. It seems almost destined for failure, as God describes how the Israelites’ response will be rebellious and Ezekiel’s message could go unheard.  

Were I in Ezekiel’s shoes, I would be scared and probably reluctant to go. From a human understanding, it appears futile to even try. Why deliver this message when I’m most likely to be ridiculed and suffer damage to my reputation? 

What I must remember is that these are earthly fears and not the point of Ezekiel’s mission. God is calling him outside of his comfort zone because whether the message is heeded or not, the rebellious Israelites will know that God’s prophet and God’s Word are present. The mission of a prophet is not to bring glory to him- or herself, but to God. 

How often in my life has God sent me on mission when I did not heed His instructions because of my fears? God has a personal mission for each of us. Sometimes that mission will bring us discomfort, and we might not be able to see its full purpose. But unlike us, God can see the whole picture, and there is always a reason behind His every action. We must trust that God will work through us, even through our fears, to fulfill His will. 

Lord, I pray for myself and for all those reading this reflection, that you may grant us the strength to go out on mission with preternatural peace, knowing that You know what is best for us and the world. Do not let our fears or doubts waylay us in our mission. Make your desire for our lives be as clear and obvious as the message you delivered to Ezekiel and have all our actions point to You. Amen. 

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Ronnie Noonan-Birch

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