Daily Readings - Fri Feb 23 2018

First Reading - Ezekiel 18.21-28

²¹But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.²²All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.²³Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?²⁴But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.²⁵Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?²⁶When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.²⁷Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.²⁸Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Gospel - Matthew 5.20-26

Matthew

Chapter 5

²⁰For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.²¹Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:²²But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.²³Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;²⁴Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.²⁵Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.²⁶Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Sermon

The readings today remind us of God’s profound mercy and the call to live with integrity and compassion. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear that even the most wayward person can turn back to God and live. Ezekiel emphasizes that it is not God’s will for anyone to perish but for all to repent and live. This passage underscores the justice and fairness of God, who judges each person based on their actions and their willingness to turn away from sin. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to remember that true justice comes from living according to God’s ways, not our own. In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He teaches that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, who followed the law meticulously but often missed the spirit of it. Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include even the anger and insults that can lead to division and harm. He calls us to reconciliation, urging us to mend relationships even before offering worship. This teaching highlights the importance of living with love, humility, and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven. Together, these readings invite us to examine our hearts and actions. Ezekiel reminds us that true conversion is possible and that God’s mercy is always available. Jesus, however, challenges us to go deeper, to not just avoid sin but to cultivate love and reconciliation in our daily lives. As we reflect on these words, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the kind of integrity and compassion that reflects God’s justice? Are we quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness? May we turn to God with open hearts, trusting in His mercy, and strive to live in a way that honors His call to love and holiness.