Daily Readings - Wed Aug 14 2024
Ezekiel
1He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.2And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.3And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.5And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:6Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.7And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.
18Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.19And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.20This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.21Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.22And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
Matthew
15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s justice, mercy, and the importance of community. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we witness a dramatic vision of God’s judgment on Jerusalem. The prophet describes a scene where six men are instructed to mark the foreheads of those who grieve over the sins of the city, sparing them from destruction. This passage emphasizes that while God’s justice is real, it is tempered by mercy for those who remain faithful and sorrowful over sin. The vision also highlights the departure of God’s glory from the Temple, symbolizing the consequences of turning away from God. Ezekiel’s message is one of warning, urging repentance and fidelity to God’s covenant.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the importance of addressing conflicts within the community. He outlines a step-by-step approach: first, addressing the issue privately; if that fails, involving one or two others; and finally, bringing the matter to the Church. This process reflects Jesus’ concern for reconciliation and the unity of the community. He also emphasizes the power of prayer and agreement among believers, promising that when two or three gather in his name, he is present among them. This teaching underscores the value of working through disagreements with love and humility, rather than allowing division to take root.
Together, these readings remind us that our actions have consequences, both as individuals and as a community. Ezekiel’s vision calls us to examine our own lives and to sorrow over sin, while Jesus’ teaching encourages us to approach conflicts with patience and a desire for reconciliation. In our daily lives, we are invited to live with integrity, to seek forgiveness when we fail, and to work toward healing and unity in our relationships. May we strive to be people of mercy, justice, and prayer, trusting in God’s presence and guidance in all we do.