Daily Readings - Fri Mar 15 2019
Ezekiel
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.
Matthew
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about God's mercy, justice, and our call to live righteous lives. Ezekiel's prophecy reminds us that our actions have consequences, yet God's mercy offers us the chance to change. It emphasizes that our current choices, not our past, define our relationship with God. This message of hope encourages us to reflect on our lives and seek positive change.
In Matthew, Jesus challenges us to a higher standard of righteousness than that of the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches that even our emotions, like anger, and our words have spiritual significance. The call to reconcile with others before worshiping underscores the importance of harmony in our relationships. This teaching pushes us beyond superficial obedience to a deeper commitment to love and justice.
These readings connect by highlighting personal responsibility and the need for positive action. Ezekiel urges repentance, while Matthew emphasizes reconciliation. Both remind us that our actions and attitudes matter. As we apply this to our lives, we are called to be mindful of how we treat others and to take initiative in mending relationships. The moral lesson is clear: God's justice and mercy call us to live justly and compassionately, embracing continuous conversion and reconciliation.