Daily Readings - Fri Feb 26 2021
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, Ezekiel and Matthew guide us toward a deeper understanding of righteousness and reconciliation. Ezekiel emphasizes God’s desire for life and repentance, urging us to turn from sin to live justly. Matthew, in the Sermon on the Mount, sets a higher standard for righteousness, focusing on internal attitudes and reconciliation, warning against the dangers of unresolved anger.
Both readings highlight the importance of personal responsibility and moral integrity. Ezekiel’s context is one of hope for the Israelites, stressing that repentance can lead to life. Matthew’s context is Jesus teaching that true righteousness surpasses external actions, requiring us to address our internal states and relationships. Together, they remind us that our actions and attitudes have spiritual consequences.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to self-reflection and seeking reconciliation. We must examine our actions and attitudes, ensuring they align with God’s will. The moral lesson is clear: genuine repentance and maintaining right relationships are essential. Let us strive to live with integrity, seeking reconciliation and reflecting God’s love in our daily interactions.