The Watchman

I've been very convicted by the following passage recently:

You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked man that he shall surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way, he (the wicked man) shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked man, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.(Ezekiel 33:7-9)

In the literal sense I think God is telling Ezekiel in no uncertain terms that he must continue to speak the words God gives him, no matter what opposition he faces. We know that the people didn't always accept what Ezekiel had to say (cf. Ezekiel 33:30-33).

But my question is this. Does this passage also have a moral sense? Is the message of the watchman meant not just for Ezekiel, but for all people of faith? The parable of the talents comes to mind (Matt. 25:14-30). There Jesus teaches we are called, in fact we are obligated to use our gifts to build up the kingdom of God. So if we see the coming sword, as the watchman does in Ezekiel 33, are we then obligated to "warn the people" (33:3)?

The only answer that makes sense is the difficult answer: yes. Answering yes means we Christians, who have been blessed with the gift of faith, must use that gift to warn acquaintances, friends, even family members of the sins in their lives. But how can we do this without destroying the relationships we hold so dear? How can we be effective and humble at the same time?

The saints must be our example. I wonder how often Mother Theresea or Padre Pio or John Paul the Great told people about their sins. No, by first recognizing their own sinfulness, begging forgiveness, and living lives of joyful penance, these and many other saintly people are the watchmen for the world each and every day. I don't believe Christians are called to be watchmen like the Pharisees were watchmen, but rather like the saints.