Daily Readings - Sun Sep 27 2020
Ezekiel
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.
Philippians
1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Matthew
28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of personal responsibility, humility, and genuine conversion. The first reading from Ezekiel addresses the fairness of God’s justice, emphasizing that our choices have consequences. Ezekiel counters the complaint that God is unfair by highlighting that it is our actions, not God’s justice, that determine our fate. This passage underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the opportunity for repentance.
The second reading from Philippians shifts the focus to humility and unity within the community. Paul encourages the Philippians to embrace a mindset of selflessness and compassion, urging them to prioritize others’ needs over their own. This call to humility is rooted in the example of Christ, who emptied himself for the sake of others. The reading reminds us that true strength lies in humility and serving one another.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a parable about two sons, illustrating the contrast between empty promises and genuine obedience. Jesus uses this parable to challenge the religious leaders, pointing out that those often considered sinners—tax collectors and prostitutes—enter the kingdom before them because they responded to John the Baptist’s call to repentance. This parable emphasizes that it is not words but actions that matter, and that true repentance involves a change of heart and life.
These readings together call us to examine our lives and ensure that our actions reflect our faith. They remind us that our choices have consequences, humility is essential for community, and genuine conversion requires more than words—it demands a change in how we live. Let us strive to live out our faith with integrity, humility, and a commitment to following God’s will.