August 21, 2026
St. Pius X
All Is Not Lost
Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!
Ezekiel 37:4

What says “done” better than a pile of old bones?

The Lord made Ezekiel walk through a whole field of bones to make it clear just how far-gone Israel was. They seemed beyond hope.

But God called to them through Ezekiel: “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” Hear, in Hebrew, means not just perceive but attend. Because the God who they abandoned had not abandoned them, if they would only listen and attend to his word, it would soak in like rain (see Deuteronomy 32:2) and fill them with life.

We don’t have to be exiled to feel abandoned and lost or finished. Washed up. Like a discarded dry bone. Does that describe you? All is not lost. Hear the word of the Lord! “I will put my spirit in you that you may live…” (Ezekiel 37:14).

Open our hearts, Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

- Sarah Christmyer

Ezekiel 37:1-14 ✚ Psalm 107:2-9 ✚ Matthew 22:34-40
Bovine skull found in the desert near the border of Israel and Jordan. Image by Wirestock | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
August 21, 2026 at 12:56 PM

The truth is we (at least I was) were or are like these dry bones in Ezekiel 37 and we (I) didn’t or don’t even know it :-( *** Ephesians 2:1-5, “You were living in your sins and lawless ways. But in fact you were dead. You used to live as sinners when you followed the ways of this world. You served the one who rules over the spiritual forces of evil. He is the spirit who is now at work in those who don’t obey God. At one time we all lived among them. Our desires were controlled by sin. We...
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Scott
August 21, 2026 at 10:39 AM

Aloha today is a State Holiday in Hawaii, Hawaii became a State in 1959. Even though I am in VA, I do my best to wear my Aloha attire on Fridays and throughout the summer. That is just a side note to the readings. I am like Patrick, I wake up, read the scriptures for the morning, read the devotion and pray. Sometimes the order varies. I feel like I get dried up in the routines of life's journey. I find myself parched for thirst, especially thirst for hearing God's voice to command me to love God with all heart,...
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freeter
August 21, 2026 at 09:37 AM

Amen! :)

CBR
August 21, 2026 at 09:18 AM

Lord open our hearts so we can help others manly the less fortunate Amen Amen Amen

Gary
August 21, 2026 at 08:46 AM

"Lord, help me listen to your words." Amen!

Mike
August 21, 2026 at 09:03 AM

Amen

Patrick
August 21, 2026 at 08:17 AM

In answer to your question Sarah, yes sometimes I feel washed up. Sometimes I can identify a specific cause, other times it’s not apparent. Life can be complex and I feel overwhelmed at times ——— Your closing words basically describe my solution to such situations. First thing after waking I say a specific prayer, read scripture and encouraging material which includes LF. ——— As a result, I enter the day in unity with God and a more positive committed attitude

Sarah
August 21, 2026 at 02:58 PM

Patrick and Scott, may God bless your reading of his word! I am often surprised by the way what I have chosen to read that day speaks right into my life and heart, bringing refreshment and life.

Scott
August 21, 2026 at 10:40 AM

Blessings Patrick, I am the same way in doing my morning routine. I just did not have an opportunity to respond until now. I mentioned you in my comments. Blessings on your day today and tomorrow, forever and always.

Bovine skull found in the desert near the border of Israel and Jordan. Image by Wirestock | stock.adobe.com
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