Ezekiel 1:2-5,24-28; Psalm 148:1-2,11-14; Matthew 17:22-27
For the next fortnight, the liturgy uses Ezekiel for the first reading (other than on the solemnity of the assumption on Thursday).
In the main prophets speak truth unto power, from outside of the establishment. Not so Ezekiel - who was a Priest (albeit a young one at only 30 years old). However, Ezekiel was one of those deported to Babylon (about 600 BC) and he does address his prophecy to Jerusalem - which continued to decay and ignore God's call. He uses rich imagery to do so. The famous chariot of fire that God is drawn on, has four glorious animals pulling it and each has four faces: a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. If those ring a mental bell - they are the four symbols used to represent the evangelists; Matthew Mark Luke and John. This and other imagery from Ezekiel is re-used in the book of revelation.
The structure of the book follows that typical of the prophets. There is a forecast of doom - if you do not do God's will you will fall. God then does retreat, drawn up on that chariot so beloved of the classical artists, and the fall happens. But in the end God's salvation triumphs over our wrong doing and God returns in triumph, and the people return to Jerusalem.
Our liturgical planning does mean that only fragments of the entire book are read in church - as always, it is often wise to try to read all of the book if one can - the task is I will admit a significant one as there is much repetition and some of the messages take lengthy and tortuous paths to be made clear. You will find repetition used to emphasise points, and you will find large sections of the book that detail (in some detail!!) rituals that should be done. Well - he was a priest of that tradition!