Daily Readings - Tue Mar 15 2022
Isaiah
10Listen to the Word of the Lord, you leaders of the people of Sodom. Listen closely to the law of our God, O people of Gomorrah16Wash, become clean, take away the evil of your intentions from my eyes. Cease to act perversely17Learn to do good. Seek judgment, support the oppressed, judge for the orphan, defend the widow18And then approach and accuse me, says the Lord. Then, if your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white like snow; and if they are red like vermillion, they shall become white like wool19If you are willing, and you listen to me, then you will eat the good things of the land20But if you are not willing, and you provoke me to anger, then the sword will devour you. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken27Zion will be redeemed in judgment, and they will lead her back to justice28And he shall crush the accursed and sinners together. And those who have abandoned the Lord will be consumed31And your strength will be like the embers from stubble, and your work will be like a spark, and both will burn together, and there will be no one to extinguish it
Matthew
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds, and to his disciples2saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have sat down in the chair of Moses3Therefore, all things whatsoever that they shall say to you, observe and do. Yet truly, do not choose to act according to their works. For they say, but they do not do4For they bind up heavy and unbearable burdens, and they impose them on men’s shoulders. But they are not willing to move them with even a finger of their own5Truly, they do all their works so that they may be seen by men. For they enlarge their phylacteries and glorify their hems6And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues7and greetings in the marketplace, and to be called Master by men8But you must not be called Master. For One is your Master, and you are all brothers9And do not choose to call anyone on earth your father. For One is your Father, who is in heaven10Neither should you be called teachers. For One is your Teacher, the Christ11Whoever is greater among you shall be your minister12But whoever has exalted himself, shall be humbled. And whoever has humbled himself, shall be exalted
Sermon
The readings today call us to reflect on the relationship between faith and actions. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a call to repentance, as the prophet addresses the corruption of Jerusalem's leaders. They are called to turn away from their hypocrisy and return to justice and righteousness. Isaiah emphasizes that true faith is not about outward appearances but about living justly, caring for the vulnerable, and seeking integrity. The prophet warns that without genuine change, the consequences will be severe.
In the Gospel, Matthew 23, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes, criticizing their hypocrisy. They teach God's law but fail to live it out, burdening others while failing to lift a finger to help. Jesus warns against seeking status and recognition, calling His followers to humility instead. He reminds us that true authority comes not from titles but from living out the truth in love and service.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like the Pharisees, more concerned with appearances than authentic faith? Do we use our faith to lift others up or to elevate ourselves? The readings call us to live with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. As we go about our days, may we strive to live in a way that reflects the love and humility of Christ, seeking to serve rather than be served.