Prophet Ezekiel’s Vision: A Hope for the ‘Dry Bones’ in Indian/Asian Context

Abstract

Spes non Confundit, “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). This has been a powerful teaching of the Church, drawn from the Scriptures, and it comes to the fore at a time when the world is witnessing the dark and painful realities of chaos, war, displacement, poverty, and loss of life. This reality can lead us to despair or induce passivity and slumber, causing us to give up. But the virtue of hope keeps us moving forward. It has the power to expect restoration and revival when we surrender to God. This paper presents hope through the prophet Ezekiel’s vision in Babylon during the Jews’ captivity. By presenting the grim reality of India/Asia, it argues that hope can still inspire and motivate us to bounce back for a fuller life through God’s intervention and our effort.