Daily Readings - Fri Feb 23 2024
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
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of justice, repentance, and the importance of our actions and intentions. In Ezekiel, we hear a message of hope and responsibility. The prophet emphasizes that God’s justice is fair and that each individual is accountable for their choices. Ezekiel makes it clear that repentance can lead to life, while stubbornness in sin leads to death. This passage was directed to the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, addressing their misconception that God was unfair. Ezekiel clarifies that true justice lies in personal moral choices and the opportunity for repentance.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further in His Sermon on the Mount. He teaches that righteousness must come from the heart, beyond mere outward compliance with the law. Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include even anger and insults, highlighting the importance of reconciling with others before offering worship. This teaching underscores that true righteousness involves inner virtues like love, mercy, and reconciliation, not just adherence to rules.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived out in our actions and attitudes. We are called to examine our hearts, seek reconciliation, and live justly. Let us strive to cultivate a heart that seeks peace and love, remembering that true righteousness is not just about following rules but about living compassionately and justly in our daily lives.