Daily Readings - Sat Aug 18 2018
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came to me:2"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?3As I live, declares the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.4Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.5"If a man is righteous and does what is just and right--6if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,7does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,8does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,9walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully--he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord GOD.10"If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things13lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.30"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.31Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."
Sermon
In today's readings, Ezekiel and Matthew guide us on a journey of personal responsibility and humility, essential for our spiritual growth. Ezekiel emphasizes that each individual is accountable for their actions, not bound by the sins of their ancestors. He calls for repentance, urging us to cast away our transgressions and seek a new heart and spirit. This message, directed to the Israelites in exile, reminds us that our moral choices shape our destiny and that we have the power to change our path.
In Matthew, Jesus teaches us about the importance of humility and trust. By welcoming children, he illustrates that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with innocence and dependence. This lesson, taught during Jesus' ministry, highlights the need for humility in our relationship with God, mirroring Ezekiel's call for personal accountability.
Together, these readings remind us to reflect on our actions and attitudes. We are called to take responsibility for our sins and seek repentance, while also embracing humility and trust in God. Our spiritual journey is personal, requiring us to approach God with the innocence of a child and to own our moral choices. Let us strive to live with accountability and humility, recognizing that our relationship with God is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative.