Daily Readings - Tue Aug 21 2018
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came to me:2"Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord GOD: "Because your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas,' yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god--3you are indeed wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you;4by your wisdom and your understanding you have made wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries;5by your great wisdom in your trade you have increased your wealth, and your heart has become proud in your wealth--6therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Because you make your heart like the heart of a god,7therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you, the most ruthless of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor.8They shall thrust you down into the pit, and you shall die the death of the slain in the heart of the seas.9Will you still say, 'I am a god,' in the presence of those who kill you, though you are but a man, and no god, in the hands of those who slay you?10You shall die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of foreigners; for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD."
Matthew
23And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"26But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."27Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"28Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.30But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dangers of pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency, while also offering hope in God’s providence and the promise of eternal life. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear a prophetic condemnation of the leader of Tyre, who has become so enamored with his own power and wisdom that he claims to be like God. Ezekiel warns that such arrogance will lead to a fall, as God will send foreigners to humble him. This passage reminds us that no matter how accomplished or powerful we may become, we are still human, and our strength and wisdom are gifts from God, not our own creation.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the challenges of wealth and the kingdom of heaven. He says that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom of God. This startling statement shocks the disciples, who wonder how anyone can be saved if wealth is such an obstacle. Jesus responds by emphasizing that while this is impossible for humans, it is possible with God. Peter then asks what will happen to those who have left everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus assures them that they will be rewarded abundantly in eternal life. However, he also warns that many who seem first in this world will be last in the kingdom, and the last will be first.
These readings are connected by the theme of humility and trust in God. Ezekiel’s warning against pride and Jesus’ teaching on wealth both call us to recognize our limitations and to rely on God rather than our own strength or possessions. In our daily lives, we are tempted to trust in what we can see and control—our wealth, our achievements, our status. But the readings remind us that true strength comes from humility and faith. Let us ask ourselves: Do we recognize our dependence on God, or do we act as if we are self-sufficient? Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments to follow Christ more closely? The promise of eternal life is not about what we have, but about who we trust. May we learn to trust in God’s providence and to live with humility, knowing that true greatness is found in serving others and following Christ.