Daily Readings - Tue Aug 13 2024
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
In today's readings, Ezekiel is called by God to prophesy to the Israelites, symbolizing his mission through the act of eating a scroll. This act represents accepting God's message and the responsibility to share it, despite the challenges he may face. In Matthew, Jesus teaches the importance of humility and care for the vulnerable, using a child as an example. He emphasizes that humility is key to entering the kingdom of heaven and that each person is precious to God, much like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep.
Both readings highlight themes of humility and care. Ezekiel's call reflects the humility required to serve God, while Matthew's lesson underscores the value of each individual. The shepherd's dedication to finding the lost sheep illustrates God's love and concern for all people.
Applying these teachings to daily life, we are reminded to approach life with humility and compassion. We should value every person, especially the vulnerable, and strive to bring them closer to God. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness lies in humility and selfless care for others, reflecting God's love in our actions.