Today’s first reading is from Ekeziel 37 where the valley of dry bones is brought back to life by the preaching of Ekeziel.
“So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath. Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.”
Fridays is often the day I can feel as I am nothing but dry bones. I have nothing left to give, I’m all used up by the demands of being a wife, mother, homeschooler, Catholic. From folding laundry to chauffeuring to bending my knees in prayer and more – I am done!
But, still I must go on; life continues onto Saturday, Sunday and then another Monday. The question remains how do I keep going?
Ekeziel was able to raise up a vast multitude with the words God gave him. He prophesied not once but twice and the bones were lifted and then filled with new breath and they lived!
For me this is the reminder to make sure I am taking some time throughout the day to pray, reading the Bible (perhaps just a psalm or the gospel of the day). By doing this I am taking time to restore myself and remind myself of God’s enduring love.
Most recently, I have been reciting Ps. 23 to myself – you know that one – ‘the Lord is my shepherd’…I am drawn especially to the verse, “even though I walk through the dark valley, I fear no evil”. Lately it seems that we’ve had more dark valleys than green pastures at my house but I keep walking.
When you are in the midst of a dark valley it can be hard to remember that you are walking through it – you aren’t camping! And you are not alone as Jesus is there (along with good friends and family). Dark valleys in life are inevitable because this is a fallen world but we are not alone and as long as we keep hold of Jesus’ hand we will reach those promised pastures.
