Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 20, 2022
First Reading: Ezekiel 43.1-7a
1Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:2And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.3And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.4And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.5So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.6And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.7And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.
Psalm 85
1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.4Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.5Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?6Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?7Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.8I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.12Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Gospel: Matthew 23.1-12
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about divine presence and true leadership. Ezekiel's vision in the first reading describes the glory of God returning to the temple, a symbol of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites. This vision underscores God's promise to dwell among His people, emphasizing the need for holiness and reverence. The temple, once defiled, is now filled with God's glory, signifying a new era of divine presence and covenant renewal.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples, critiquing the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy. He highlights the disparity between their outward piety and inward corruption, stressing the importance of humility and sincerity. Jesus teaches that true authority comes not from titles or appearances but from serving others. He warns against seeking power and recognition, instead advocating for a life of genuine faith and selfless service.
These readings intersect in their themes of divine presence and authentic leadership. Ezekiel's vision reminds us of God's desire to dwell among us, while Jesus teaches us how to live in a way that reflects this presence—through humility and integrity. In our daily lives, we are called to create a sacred space within ourselves for God, living with sincerity and serving others without seeking glory. Let us strive to embody humility and authenticity, allowing God's glory to shine through our actions and hearts.