Daily Readings - Sat Aug 17 2024
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came to me:2"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?3As I live, declares the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.4Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.5"If a man is righteous and does what is just and right--6if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,7does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,8does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,9walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully--he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord GOD.10"If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things13lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.30"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.31Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages about responsibility, justice, and the call to humility. The first reading from Ezekiel emphasizes the importance of individual accountability before God. Ezekiel rejects the notion that one generation’s sins can determine the fate of another, insisting instead that each person is responsible for their own actions. He outlines the qualities of a just person—someone who avoids injustice, cares for the needy, and lives according to God’s ways. Ezekiel then calls the people to conversion, urging them to cast away their sins and seek a new heart and spirit. This passage reminds us that our choices matter and that God desires our repentance and renewal.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the humility and trust of children. Jesus rebukes his disciples for turning away the little ones, declaring that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of dependence on God. Just as Ezekiel calls for a new heart, Jesus invites us to rediscover the innocence and trust that allows us to receive God’s grace fully.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we taking responsibility for our actions, or do we shift blame? Are we living with justice and compassion toward others? And are we approaching God with the humility and trust of a child? Ezekiel’s call to conversion and Jesus’ blessing of the children remind us that God desires our hearts to be renewed and our spirits to be transformed. Let us strive to live in such a way that we reflect the justice, mercy, and humility that God calls us to, trusting in His promise of new life.