Ezekiel teaches us to have hope, no matter what sins we may commit. This is not permissiveness or carelessness about the state of our souls. It is simply the basis for an ongoing renewal, a reminder that even in grave sin there is always the possibility of repentance, for God is merciful and kind. So, Ezekiel teaches us, if we make the decision to turn away from sin and to live according to the word of God, God will come to meet us with redeeming love. At the same time, the prophet teaches us not to be presumptuous. Even if we live good lives, there is always the possibility of falling into sin and going away from God. Yet always there is hope: with God's grace and our cooperation with that grace, the possibility of sinning will remain simply that: a possibility. Awareness of this possibility will keep us humble, while awareness of God's merciful love will keep us from debilitating fear in face of such a possibility. God is not afraid of our sin. Let us not be afraid of God, but confident in His fatherly love for us.