Daily Readings - Fri Mar 06 2020
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, Ezekiel and Matthew guide us to reflect on the essence of true justice and reconciliation. Ezekiel emphasizes that our actions have consequences, urging us to turn from sin to life through repentance. He highlights God’s mercy and the importance of living justly. In Matthew, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, teaching that even anger and hurtful words have spiritual ramifications. He calls us to reconcile with others before worshiping God, stressing the urgency of resolving conflicts.
Both readings underscore personal responsibility and the transformative power of our choices. Ezekiel’s message of repentance aligns with Matthew’s call to reconcile, illustrating that true justice involves both internal transformation and external actions. Together, they remind us that living justly is not just about outward deeds but also about the state of our hearts.
In our daily lives, let us examine our consciences and seek reconciliation where needed. May we strive to live with integrity, treating others with kindness and respect, and may our actions reflect the justice and mercy of God.