Daily Readings - Fri Feb 23 2018
Ezekiel
21"But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.22None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live.23Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?24But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die.25"Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?26When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die.27Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.28Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.
Matthew
20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.21"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'22But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.26Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of God’s profound mercy and the call to live with integrity and compassion. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear that even the most wayward person can turn back to God and live. Ezekiel emphasizes that it is not God’s will for anyone to perish but for all to repent and live. This passage underscores the justice and fairness of God, who judges each person based on their actions and their willingness to turn away from sin. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to remember that true justice comes from living according to God’s ways, not our own.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He teaches that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, who followed the law meticulously but often missed the spirit of it. Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include even the anger and insults that can lead to division and harm. He calls us to reconciliation, urging us to mend relationships even before offering worship. This teaching highlights the importance of living with love, humility, and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven.
Together, these readings invite us to examine our hearts and actions. Ezekiel reminds us that true conversion is possible and that God’s mercy is always available. Jesus, however, challenges us to go deeper, to not just avoid sin but to cultivate love and reconciliation in our daily lives. As we reflect on these words, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the kind of integrity and compassion that reflects God’s justice? Are we quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness? May we turn to God with open hearts, trusting in His mercy, and strive to live in a way that honors His call to love and holiness.