Daily Reading: 26 February

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

For this treachery we shall die.

Something to read

Because they considered, and turned away from all the transgressions they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.

- Ezekiel 18:21.

Something to think about

As I write I am surrounded by the noise and spectacle of Storm Dennis which has followed hard on the heels of Ciara. Cloud-wrapped Rathlin Island disappears and then reappears, but just now it’s a wash of watercolor on the horizon. The Anglican ordinands I’m with are worried about the impact of the storm on loved ones back home in the north of England.

Whether through the challenging weather, the protests on our streets, or the rival manifestos in recent elections we cannot miss the reality of climate crisis.

How we are choosing to live is killing our planet…and, ultimately, ourselves.

Ezekiel says, 'for the treachery of which [we] are guilty and the sin [we] have committed, [we] shall die.'

Taking these words out of their original crisis and reading them in the midst of one of our contemporary ones, is uncomfortable.

I’m challenged to imagine my misuse of the planet as a treachery.

It’s the word treachery that disturbs me. It implies there is a prior relationship or responsibility that is broken by one partner in that relationship. And it reminds me of the God-given charge in Genesis to care for the whole of creation. For our treachery in this relationship, we will die.

Ezekiel, however, does offer hope. 'Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.'

Experts tell us that the planet can heal itself, however that healing will probably involve some loss of habitat and even some species. Though time is short, it may not be too late for the repentance necessary, the turning back from our treachery, the restoration of a healthy relationship to the planet, so that we might live.

Something to do

Take action for the healing of the planet today.

Something to pray

God who made the destructive storm and the life-bearing seed

Blow away our complacency

and restore in us a concern for your whole creation.

That by our considered love and action

We may repent of our treachery

And turn again towards our home,

On this blessed, life-giving earth.

Amen

Today's contribution is from the late Glenn Jordan. Glenn provided this reflection for the Ireland lent journey in 2020. Glenn was much respected public theologian working with Corrymeela, working on connecting the bible and matters of civic concern on the island of Ireland, particularly on questions of borders and belonging. He is a member of Ballycrochan Presbyterian Church in Bangor, Co Down. We are honoured to feature his contribution in our lent daily bible readings.