Daily Readings - Tue Mar 02 2021
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 integrity and humility, challenging us to reflect on how we live out our faith in both word and action. In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet addresses the leaders of Israel, urging them to turn away from corruption and injustice. He calls them to "learn to do good" and to seek justice for the oppressed, the orphan, and the widow. Isaiah emphasizes that true repentance involves more than outward rituals; it requires a transformation of the heart and a commitment to living according to God’s will. The prophet warns that if they refuse to listen and instead continue in pride and sin, they will face judgment. Yet, he also offers hope: if they are willing to change, their sins can be purified, and they will experience redemption.
In the Gospel, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they teach the law and sit in the chair of Moses, their actions do not match their words. They burden others with strict rules while failing to practice what they preach. Jesus condemns their love of power, prestige, and outward appearances, such as enlarged phylacteries and greetings in the marketplace. He reminds the disciples that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in titles or recognition. Jesus teaches that we are all brothers and sisters, and our only Master is Christ. This reading challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we do not fall into the same traps of hypocrisy and pride.
Both readings are connected by their focus on the responsibility of leadership and the call to live authentically. Isaiah speaks to the leaders of Israel, urging them to act justly and humbly, while Jesus addresses the religious leaders of his time, exposing their hypocrisy. Together, they remind us that our faith must be lived out in concrete actions, especially in how we treat the vulnerable and the marginalized. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living in integrity, aligning our actions with our words? Are we seeking to serve others rather than seeking power or recognition? May we humbly follow Christ’s example, remembering that true greatness lies in serving one another in love.