Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and I will dwell within Jerusalem. The prophet Ezekiel during the exile had a vision of God seated on a chariot with flaming wheels leaving the temple and going toward the east. The prophet wanted the people to know that God was mobile and agile, that God was not limited by geography but would accompany the people into whatever land they found themselves. The prophet Zechariah at the time of the restoration after the exile emphasizes again the importance of the Holy City and of the sacred places. That dual prophetic heritage is ours today. Yes, wherever we find ourselves is holy ground but we also need to have sacred places reminding us of God’s presence.
