Daily Readings - Tue Aug 11 2020
Ezekiel
8But as for you, son of man, listen to all that I say to you. And do not choose to be provoking, as that house is a provoker. Open your mouth, and eat whatever I give to you.9And I looked, and behold: a hand was put forth toward me; there was a scroll rolled up in it.10And he spread it out before me, and there was writing on the inside and on the outside. And there were written in it lamentations, and verses, and woes
1And he said to me: "Son of man, eat whatever you will find; eat this scroll, and, going forth, speak to the sons of Israel.2And I opened my mouth, and he fed me that scroll3And he said to me: "Son of man, your stomach shall eat, and your interior shall be filled with this scroll, which I am giving to you." And I ate it, and in my mouth it became as sweet as honey4And he said to me: "Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and you shall speak my words to them
Matthew
1In that hour, the disciples drew near to Jesus, saying, "Whom do you consider to be greater in the kingdom of heaven?2And Jesus, calling to himself a little child, placed him in their midst3And he said: "Amen I say to you, unless you change and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven4Therefore, whoever will have humbled himself like this little child, such a one is greater in the kingdom of heaven5And whoever shall accept one such little child in my name, accepts me10See to it that you do not despise even one of these little ones. For I say to you, that their Angels in heaven continually look upon the face of my Father, who is in heaven12How does it seem to you? If someone has one hundred sheep, and if one of them has gone astray, should he not leave behind the ninety-nine in the mountains, and go out to seek what has gone astray13And if he should happen to find it: Amen I say to you, that he has more joy over that one, than over the ninety-nine which did not go astray14Even so, it is not the will before your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should be lost
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to humility and the responsibility of caring for one another in God’s kingdom. In the first reading, Ezekiel is commissioned by God to speak to the people of Israel, despite their resistance. He is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the Word of God, which becomes sweet in his mouth but also a heavy burden to carry. This passage emphasizes the prophet’s role as a messenger of God’s truth, even when the message is difficult to hear. Ezekiel’s call reminds us that we, too, are called to share God’s Word, though it may require courage and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Using the image of a little child, he shows that greatness in God’s eyes comes not from power or status, but from simplicity, trust, and openness to God. Jesus also warns against despising the “little ones,” emphasizing that each person is precious in God’s sight. The parable of the lost sheep reinforces this message, highlighting the joy of finding what was lost and the Father’s desire that none be lost. Together, these passages call us to live with humility, compassion, and a deep concern for the well-being of others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace humility and to care for those around us, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Like Ezekiel, we are called to share God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like the disciples, we are invited to approach life with the simplicity and trust of a child, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. May we strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and concern for all, especially those who feel lost or forgotten.