Daily Readings - Tue Mar 15 2022
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!16Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.18"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.19If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;20but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."27Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness.28But rebels and sinners shall be broken together, and those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed.31And the strong shall become tinder, and his work a spark, and both of them shall burn together, with none to quench them.
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,2"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,3so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.5They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.9And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.11The greatest among you shall be your servant.12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
The readings today call us to reflect on the relationship between faith and actions. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a call to repentance, as the prophet addresses the corruption of Jerusalem's leaders. They are called to turn away from their hypocrisy and return to justice and righteousness. Isaiah emphasizes that true faith is not about outward appearances but about living justly, caring for the vulnerable, and seeking integrity. The prophet warns that without genuine change, the consequences will be severe.
In the Gospel, Matthew 23, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes, criticizing their hypocrisy. They teach God's law but fail to live it out, burdening others while failing to lift a finger to help. Jesus warns against seeking status and recognition, calling His followers to humility instead. He reminds us that true authority comes not from titles but from living out the truth in love and service.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like the Pharisees, more concerned with appearances than authentic faith? Do we use our faith to lift others up or to elevate ourselves? The readings call us to live with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. As we go about our days, may we strive to live in a way that reflects the love and humility of Christ, seeking to serve rather than be served.