What might help us see some sliver of hope on the horizon? Who are the voices to assist us in not just wishing for, and imagining, but also bring about a better day?
There’s another word for prophet - SEER -- it has to do with seeing beyond this moment, into a horizon that defies current reality and imagines what the status quo can simply not yet comprehend.
Ezekiel is one of those who sees beyond- his visions are on a meta mystical scale but he also looks political reality right in the eye - and speaks up with rebuke-- which he believes is the ultimate, god-given truth.
This week, while this war rages, we joined Ezekiel on astral journeys between Babylon and Jerusalem, as he continues to lament the imminent destruction of Judea and its people - his people’s - refusal to face the facts and try and change the situation.
He blasts the false prophets who numb the people into believing all will be ok. He compares them to foxes roaming in the ruins:
When I read that line I was reminded of the story in the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Makkot in which a few rabbis are responding to the trauma of Jerusalem’s destruction by the Romans - six centuries after Ezekiel. Among the weeping rabbis is Rabbi Akiva who is laughing as he sees wild foxes roam the ruins of what was, not long ago, the holy temple. Why is he laughing and what’s this story about for this terrible time? Check out the video. I hope it’s helpful as a gift from ancient seers to guide us forward.
May we help each other get to better days of hope and healing, courage and peace.
THE FOXES HELPING US FIND HOPE IN THE RUINS