Daily Readings - Fri Mar 15 2019
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about God's mercy, justice, and our call to live righteous lives. Ezekiel's prophecy reminds us that our actions have consequences, yet God's mercy offers us the chance to change. It emphasizes that our current choices, not our past, define our relationship with God. This message of hope encourages us to reflect on our lives and seek positive change.
In Matthew, Jesus challenges us to a higher standard of righteousness than that of the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches that even our emotions, like anger, and our words have spiritual significance. The call to reconcile with others before worshiping underscores the importance of harmony in our relationships. This teaching pushes us beyond superficial obedience to a deeper commitment to love and justice.
These readings connect by highlighting personal responsibility and the need for positive action. Ezekiel urges repentance, while Matthew emphasizes reconciliation. Both remind us that our actions and attitudes matter. As we apply this to our lives, we are called to be mindful of how we treat others and to take initiative in mending relationships. The moral lesson is clear: God's justice and mercy call us to live justly and compassionately, embracing continuous conversion and reconciliation.