Daily Readings - Sat Aug 13 2022
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,2What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?3As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.5But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,6And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,7And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;8He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,9Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.10If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,13Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.31Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?32For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Matthew
13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
Sermon
In today's readings, Ezekiel and Matthew offer profound insights into our relationship with God, emphasizing personal responsibility and humility. Ezekiel's prophecy challenges the Israelites to move beyond blaming their ancestors for their suffering, instead urging each individual to take accountability for their actions. He calls for repentance and a new heart, promising life to those who turn from sin. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with the humility and innocence of children, blessing them and emphasizing the importance of a pure heart.
Ezekiel's message was directed to the Israelites in exile, countering the belief that their suffering was due to their fathers' sins. He stressed that each person's fate is determined by their own deeds, encouraging them to live justly and compassionately. Matthew's account captures Jesus teaching his disciples, highlighting the need for humility and trust, qualities exemplified by children. Both readings underscore the necessity of a personal, heartfelt response to God, whether through repentance or childlike faith.
In our daily lives, these teachings remind us to embrace personal responsibility, striving to live with justice and compassion. They call us to cultivate humility and openness, approaching God with the simplicity and trust of a child. Let us seek to live with sincere hearts, turning away from sin and embracing the opportunity for conversion, that we may truly live as children of God.