QUESTIONS:
1. The Israelites living in exile were
dead as a political entity, like dried bones in Ezekiel’s vision. They
felt hopeless, cut off from any possibility of a free and independent life
or homeland. Besides physical death, what are some other ways in
which people can “die”? Since Jesus is present today in us, the church,
how does he save people from these kinds of death or bring them to life
again?
2. Paul says that the Spirit of God is alive in us. In what ways is the Spirit alive in our parish? And mention some examples of how the Spirit in the parish brings life to persons both within and without the parish.
3. The pressures of our culture on our
families, and/or the social evils of our world, may look so overwhelming
that they can entomb some people in
hopelessness or apathy. What
biblical message do you think would best call them forth from these “tombs”
and give them new life? What can we the church as a community do
together to unbind them, especially when we remember the difference between
helping people and helping people help themselves?
ACTIONS:
1. Research to find out what activities
are being done by your parish, or other parishes, to unbind people
from the restraints of poverty, discrimination, racism, or homelessness.
2. Identify a situation in your neighborhood
or city that seems death dealing or dehumanizing. Ask three people
what they think of the situation to see if they share your evaluation and
concerns about the situation.