Seek my face

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Ezekiel 39:25-40:4 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘I will never again hide my face from them’ Ezekiel 30:29

At the grand unveilings of statues or plaques it's often the reactions of those present that captures our attentions. Sometimes we see delight, but there are also times when there is disappointment or even shock etched into their faces. Depending on how dramatically the unveiling is stage-managed there may be a moment of anticipation before we see the end result, and then we seem obliged to assess the impression it makes on us quickly. 

The unveiling of Christ’s Passion, Cross and Resurrection is the work of the Holy Spirit and the raison d’être of the Church’s liturgy. Our participation in this begins in hearts which set out in search of the face of God. 

Today's extract from Ezekiel reveals God’s intention to “restore” by His “mercy” so that His “holiness” can be displayed through the lives of His people. The adversity of separation from God is converted by His grace as the people are “gathered” from “exile.” This restoration is both a deeply personal and corporate experience where the hidden “face” of God is unveiled. 

As we journey through the exile of Lent and reach out for a clearer sight of God we are helped by numerous traditions. For me the Lenten use of the Stations of the Cross have always proved revealing about my needs as God sees them. The Sixth Station, where Veronica wipes the face of Jesus speaks into this very theme with its use of the Psalmist’s words, “seek my face…do not hide your face from me.” 

Our needs are unveiled as God wipes away that which blinds us to His presence, so by the time we reach the wonderful Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday the sense of unveiling reaches its climax as the words of the Exultet ring out, “the night will be as clear as day; it will become my light, my joy.”

Ezekiel’s guidance to “look and listen attentively” is fulfilled in the Church's school of looking and listening attentively, the Daily Office. Founded on St Benedict’s words, “listen…and incline the ear of your heart” this school of attentiveness is how we are prepared the whole year round for what he will “show” us, and how we are to “declare” it.

The Revd Guy Jamieson, St Paul’s & St Mary’s, Nelson.