Daily Readings - Tue Feb 27 2018
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!16Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.18"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.19If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;20but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."27Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness.28But rebels and sinners shall be broken together, and those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed.31And the strong shall become tinder, and his work a spark, and both of them shall burn together, with none to quench them.
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,2"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,3so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.5They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.9And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.11The greatest among you shall be your servant.12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
The readings today offer a powerful call to authenticity and humility in our relationship with God and with others. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a prophetic call to repentance, urging the people to turn away from their sinful ways and seek justice, especially on behalf of the oppressed. Isaiah emphasizes that true conversion is not just about outward rituals but about a change of heart, leading to actions that reflect God’s justice and mercy. The prophet’s words are both a warning and an invitation, reminding us that our sins can be forgiven if we are willing to listen and change our ways.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues this theme by criticizing the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He points out that while they teach the law, they fail to live it out in their own lives. They are more concerned with appearances—seeking praise and recognition—than with serving others. Jesus reminds us that true greatness is not found in titles or status but in humility and service. He calls us to follow his example, recognizing that we are all brothers and sisters, and that our ultimate Teacher and Father is God.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we living with integrity, or are we more focused on appearances? Do we serve others, or do we seek recognition and praise? Isaiah and Jesus both call us to a deeper authenticity, rooted in humility and a commitment to justice. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to listen to God’s voice and change my ways? Am I living in a way that reflects the love and mercy of Christ? May we strive to be people of true faith, not just in word, but in action, seeking to serve rather than be served, and to exalt God above all else.