Aldrine G. Aquino, fmgs Rev. Fr.

Alejandro Gobrin, CMF,

PhL., STL
CICM Maryhill School of Theology Th 101: Prophets
GTP II Professor

Research 5
Key Verse
“For I find no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies—oracle of the Lord God. Turn back
and live!” (Ezekiel 18:32)

Synthesis

Ezekiel's prophetic message diverges from Isaiah and Jeremiah by emphasizing

liturgical offenses and the defilement of the sanctuary as the primary cause of Israel's
downfall. While Isaiah and Jeremiah focus on social and moral transgressions, Ezekiel,
deeply rooted in the priestly tradition, evaluates Israel's behavior through the lens of
Yahweh's ordinances and judgments, emphasizing the importance of religious laws and
rituals. His vivid imagery, such as the allegories in chapters 16 and 23, illustrates Israel's
spiritual pollution, while his vision of the future (chapters 40-48), termed the "Torah of
Ezekiel," underscores the restoration of proper worship practices as essential for Israel's
redemption. In Ezekiel's view, the restoration of Israel depends not only on moral rectitude
but also on faithful adherence to religious rituals and purity in worship.
Commentary
Ezekiel's teachings highlight individual responsibility, departing from the notion of
inherited guilt prevalent at the time. His vision of Jerusalem's sins led him to emphasize
moral principles, stressing the importance of personal accountability and repentance. As a
prophet and guardian of Israel, Ezekiel acted as a shepherd, warning of dangers and offering
comfort to individuals. He emphasized Yahweh's desire for repentance and obedience rather
than despair in the face of judgment. Ezekiel's conception of God portrays both
transcendence and immanence, depicting Yahweh as exalted yet intimately involved as a
caring shepherd. This portrayal underscores a personal relationship with God, albeit less
emotionally expressive than Jeremiah's. Ezekiel's message urges a sincere conversion and a
new heart, emphasizing the need for an interior religious experience. Overall, his teachings
blend individual accountability with a vision of God's majesty and personal care for his
people.1

Reflection
Examining the profound message of Ezekiel provides priceless insights for spiritual
formation and ministry. Ezekiel's focus on personal accountability pushes me to help others
become more conscious of their deeds and how they affect their relationship with God. His
pastoral style, which forewarns of approaching perils and consoles the afflicted, motivates me
to model for those under my care a watchful and caring shepherd. I am tremendously moved
by the prophet's unwavering dedication to declaring God's desire for obedience and
repentance, and I am urged to give the call to conversion first priority in my pastoral practice.
The way that God is portrayed in Ezekiel as both intimately caring for his people and
possessing transcendent majesty highlights the complex nature of our relationship with God. I
am inspired by this complex understanding to cultivate a harmony between awe at God's
holiness and a consoling knowledge of His loving presence. Furthermore, Ezekiel's
exhortation to undergo a real inward metamorphosis serves as a reminder of how critical it is
to promote spiritual development and authenticity in both oneself and others. Upon
contemplating Ezekiel's lessons, I am motivated to foster a more profound personal
connection with God, one that genuinely represents His nature as both ascended and deeply
engaged in our existence. In the end, Ezekiel's teaching is a beacon that shines on the way to
a ministry based on responsibility, empathy, and a deep respect for God.

1
Wilfrid J. Harrington, Record of the Promise: !e Old Testament, vol. II, Key to the Bible (New York: Alba House,
1993)