Daily Readings - Tue Aug 11 2020
Ezekiel
8"But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."9And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it.10And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe.
1And he said to me, "Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel."2So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat.3And he said to me, "Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it." Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.4And he said to me, "Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.
Matthew
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"2And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them3and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,10"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?13And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.14So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to humility and the responsibility of caring for one another in God’s kingdom. In the first reading, Ezekiel is commissioned by God to speak to the people of Israel, despite their resistance. He is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the Word of God, which becomes sweet in his mouth but also a heavy burden to carry. This passage emphasizes the prophet’s role as a messenger of God’s truth, even when the message is difficult to hear. Ezekiel’s call reminds us that we, too, are called to share God’s Word, though it may require courage and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Using the image of a little child, he shows that greatness in God’s eyes comes not from power or status, but from simplicity, trust, and openness to God. Jesus also warns against despising the “little ones,” emphasizing that each person is precious in God’s sight. The parable of the lost sheep reinforces this message, highlighting the joy of finding what was lost and the Father’s desire that none be lost. Together, these passages call us to live with humility, compassion, and a deep concern for the well-being of others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace humility and to care for those around us, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Like Ezekiel, we are called to share God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like the disciples, we are invited to approach life with the simplicity and trust of a child, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. May we strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and concern for all, especially those who feel lost or forgotten.