Calling Kenobi

On the fifth day of the fourth month of the fifth year, that is, of King Jehoiachin's exile, the word of the LORD came to the priest Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar.— There the hand of the LORD came upon me.

As I looked, a stormwind came from the North, a huge cloud with flashing fire enveloped in brightness, from the midst of which (the midst of the fire) something gleamed like electrum.  Within it were figures resembling four living creatures that looked like this: their form was human.

Then I heard the sound of their wings, like the roaring of mighty waters, like the voice of the Almighty.  When they moved, the sound of the tumult was like the din of an army.  And when they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Above the firmament over their heads something like a throne could be seen, looking like sapphire.  Upon it was seated, up above, one who had the appearance of a man.  Upward from what resembled his waist I saw what gleamed like electrum; downward from what resembled his waist I saw what looked like fire; he was surrounded with splendor.  Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded him.  Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Such an entrance worthy of a Cecil B. DeMille production! Such imagination shown by Ezekiel in today’s first reading!  Four winged human-like creatures emerging from flashing fire to escort a splendored man adorned with a rainbow. 

Some politicians feel this is the sort of entrance they deserve.  We all know our political leaders are to represent us and we hope to seek the common good.  Unfortunately, political debates usually end up like self-serving, verbal Star Wars battles.

O’ where is Obi Wan Kenobi? – that legendary Jedi Master who was a noble man and gifted in the ways of the Force.  We need more Kenobi’s and far fewer Vader’s.  Time for us to consult and seek the wise advice of Yoda.  May the Force for good be with us!

Deacon David Pierce