Daily Readings - Fri Aug 19 2022
Ezekiel
1The hand of the Lord was set upon me, and he led me away in the Spirit of the Lord, and he released me in the midst of a plain which was full of bones2And he led me around, through them, on every side. Now they were very many upon the face of the plain, and they were exceedingly dry3And he said to me, "Son of man, do you think that these bones will live?" And I said, "O Lord God, you know.4And he said to me, "Prophesy about these bones. And you shall say to them: Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord5Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will send spirit into you, and you shall live6And I will set sinews upon you, and I will cause flesh to grow over you, and I will extend skin over you. And I will give you spirit, and you shall live. And you shall know that I am the Lord.7And I prophesied, just as he had instructed me. But a noise occurred, as I was prophesying, and behold: a commotion. And the bones joined together, each one at its joint8And I saw, and behold: sinews and flesh rose up over them; and skin was extended over them. But they had no spirit within them9And he said to me: "Prophesy to the spirit! Prophesy, O son of man, and you shall say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord God: Approach, O spirit, from the four winds, and blow across these ones who were slain, and revive them.10And I prophesied, just as he had instructed me. And spirit entered into them, and they lived. And they stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army11And he said to me: "Son of man: All these bones are the house of Israel. They say: ‘Our bones are dried out, and our hope has perished, and we have been cut off.12Because of this, prophesy, and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your tombs, and I will lead you away from your sepulchers, O my people. And I will lead you into the land of Israel13And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I will have opened your sepulchers, and when I will have led you away from your tombs, O my people14And I will place my Spirit within you, and you shall live. And I will cause you to rest upon your own soil. And you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and acted, says the Lord God.
Matthew
34But the Pharisees, hearing that he had caused the Sadducees to be silent, came together as one35And one of them, a doctor of the law, questioned him, to test him36"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?37Jesus said to him: " ‘You shall love the Lord your God from all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.38This is the greatest and first commandment39But the second is similar to it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.40On these two commandments the entire law depends, and also the prophets.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful metaphors and teachings that guide us toward a deeper understanding of spiritual life and love. Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones paints a vivid picture of despair and hopelessness, yet it is transformed by the promise of God's Spirit. The bones, once lifeless, are rejuvenated through prophecy and the breath of life, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. This vision reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God's Spirit can bring renewal and hope.
In the Gospel, Jesus simplifies the essence of the law into two commandments: loving God with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourselves. These teachings are not just rules but the foundation of a life lived in harmony with God and others. Just as Ezekiel's dry bones needed the Spirit to come to life, our spiritual lives are enlivened by embracing these commandments. Love becomes the breath that animates our faith, transforming us from being spiritually lifeless to vibrant followers of Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can embody this life-giving love in our daily lives. May we allow the Spirit to move through us, bringing life to those around us through acts of love and compassion. Just as God restored Israel, may we find restoration in our own lives by living out the commandments of love, thereby fostering a community that reflects the vibrant life of the Spirit.