Daily Readings - Sat Aug 20 2022
Ezekiel
1And he led me to the gate which looked toward the way of the east2And behold, the glory of the God of Israel entered along the way of the east. And his voice was like the voice of many waters. And the earth was resplendent before his majesty3And I saw a vision in accord with the form that I had seen when he arrived so that he might destroy the city. And the form was in accord with the sight that I had seen beside the river Chebar. And I fell upon my face4And the majesty of the Lord advanced into the temple, along the way of the gate which looked toward the east5And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court. And behold, the house was filled with the glory of the Lord6And I heard someone speaking to me from the house, and the man who was standing beside m7said to me: "Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the steps of my feet, is where I live: in the midst of the sons of Israel forever. And the house of Israel, they and their kings, shall no longer defile my holy name by their fornications, and by the ruinous ways of their kings, and by exalted places
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about divine presence and true leadership. Ezekiel's vision in the first reading describes the glory of God returning to the temple, a symbol of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites. This vision underscores God's promise to dwell among His people, emphasizing the need for holiness and reverence. The temple, once defiled, is now filled with God's glory, signifying a new era of divine presence and covenant renewal.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples, critiquing the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy. He highlights the disparity between their outward piety and inward corruption, stressing the importance of humility and sincerity. Jesus teaches that true authority comes not from titles or appearances but from serving others. He warns against seeking power and recognition, instead advocating for a life of genuine faith and selfless service.
These readings intersect in their themes of divine presence and authentic leadership. Ezekiel's vision reminds us of God's desire to dwell among us, while Jesus teaches us how to live in a way that reflects this presence—through humility and integrity. In our daily lives, we are called to create a sacred space within ourselves for God, living with sincerity and serving others without seeking glory. Let us strive to embody humility and authenticity, allowing God's glory to shine through our actions and hearts.