A Heart Is No Place for Walls

Scripture: Ezekiel 11:19 – “I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…” (NRSVue)

The idea of having a stone heart is a common metaphor. When someone is cruel, uncompassionate, and uncaring, we say they have a stone heart. What should be vibrant is cold and dead.

But having a stone heart can be a conscious choice rather than an emotional failing. I am reminded of the old Simon and Garfunkel song, “I Am a Rock.” It is about a person who would rather hide away among books and poetry than engage with the outside world. They say things like “I’ve built walls / A fortress deep and mighty / That none may penetrate.” They have become a rock, for “a rock feels no pain / And an island never cries.” Turning your heart to stone can save you from pain, even as it denies an essential part of your humanity.

But creating a stone heart for yourself can also be an excuse. It allows you not only to avoid emotional pain, but to prevent yourself from feeling guilt or remorse. It allows you to look on other people as objects to be used for your benefit rather than as people who have beating hearts just like you.

One use of the stone heart metaphor is found in the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a priest who was part of the first wave of exiles to Babylon in 597 BC. The second, larger wave would come ten years later in 587 BC. Over those ten years, Ezekiel observed and commented upon the wicked behavior he saw back home. Some of the leaders of Jerusalem took advantage of the situation by buying up the houses of those who had been exiled and assuming that since God had promised Jerusalem would always be saved, they could do whatever they wanted. While they were at it, maybe they could take the homes of the poor, too. Ezekiel correctly prophesied their destruction.

But Ezekiel also promised that those who had been exiled would eventually return, having learned their lessons and come to love God once again. Instead of people taking advantage of each other’s misfortune, God would give them one heart and a new spirit, removing the heart of stone for a heart of flesh. Only then could they rebuild their lives with God by their side.

God did not give us hearts so we could hide them behind walls. God gave us hearts to love, even if that means they are vulnerable to being broken. For when our hearts get broken, it allows us to recognize heartbreak in others and give them the love and support they need. The more we isolate ourselves behind coldness, the more suffering and anger there is in the world.

As you pray today, ask yourself if there is a pain that you have been avoiding. Are there people that you have shielded yourself from so you don’t have to care for them, worry about them, or even think about them? A rock feels no pain, but only a heart can bring you home.

Prayer: Loving God, change my heart of stone for a heart of flesh so that I may truly love you and my neighbors. Amen.