Daily Readings - Tue Feb 27 2018
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.27Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.28And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.31And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.
Matthew
1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Sermon
The readings today offer a powerful call to authenticity and humility in our relationship with God and with others. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a prophetic call to repentance, urging the people to turn away from their sinful ways and seek justice, especially on behalf of the oppressed. Isaiah emphasizes that true conversion is not just about outward rituals but about a change of heart, leading to actions that reflect God’s justice and mercy. The prophet’s words are both a warning and an invitation, reminding us that our sins can be forgiven if we are willing to listen and change our ways.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues this theme by criticizing the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He points out that while they teach the law, they fail to live it out in their own lives. They are more concerned with appearances—seeking praise and recognition—than with serving others. Jesus reminds us that true greatness is not found in titles or status but in humility and service. He calls us to follow his example, recognizing that we are all brothers and sisters, and that our ultimate Teacher and Father is God.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we living with integrity, or are we more focused on appearances? Do we serve others, or do we seek recognition and praise? Isaiah and Jesus both call us to a deeper authenticity, rooted in humility and a commitment to justice. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to listen to God’s voice and change my ways? Am I living in a way that reflects the love and mercy of Christ? May we strive to be people of true faith, not just in word, but in action, seeking to serve rather than be served, and to exalt God above all else.