Daily Readings - Tue Mar 15 2022
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 call us to reflect on the relationship between faith and actions. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a call to repentance, as the prophet addresses the corruption of Jerusalem's leaders. They are called to turn away from their hypocrisy and return to justice and righteousness. Isaiah emphasizes that true faith is not about outward appearances but about living justly, caring for the vulnerable, and seeking integrity. The prophet warns that without genuine change, the consequences will be severe.
In the Gospel, Matthew 23, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes, criticizing their hypocrisy. They teach God's law but fail to live it out, burdening others while failing to lift a finger to help. Jesus warns against seeking status and recognition, calling His followers to humility instead. He reminds us that true authority comes not from titles but from living out the truth in love and service.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like the Pharisees, more concerned with appearances than authentic faith? Do we use our faith to lift others up or to elevate ourselves? The readings call us to live with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. As we go about our days, may we strive to live in a way that reflects the love and humility of Christ, seeking to serve rather than be served.