Daily Readings - Sun Sep 06 2020
Ezekiel
7"So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.8If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.9But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
Romans
8Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.9The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Matthew
15"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of responsibility, love, and community. Ezekiel is called as a watchman, tasked with warning the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of speaking up to save others from sin. The consequences of not fulfilling this duty are severe, highlighting the weight of responsibility. In Romans, Paul explains that love is the essence of the law, encompassing all commandments and doing no harm. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to the well-being of others. The Gospel from Matthew outlines a process for correcting a brother who has sinned, emphasizing patience, community involvement, and the power of collective prayer, with Jesus present in gatherings of two or three.
These readings connect through the thread of love as action. Ezekiel's role as a watchman is an act of love, urging others to turn from sin. Paul's message in Romans underscores that love is the fulfillment of the law, guiding our interactions with others. Matthew's instruction on correction is rooted in loving concern for a brother's spiritual well-being, using community and prayer to restore relationships.
In daily life, these teachings call us to be mindful of our influence on others, to act with love, and to engage with our community in supportive ways. We are reminded that love is not passive but active, involving correction and care. The moral lesson is clear: our faith is lived through responsible action and loving service to others, reflecting God's presence in our midst.