Daily Readings - Sat Aug 17 2024
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covered the naked with a garment;8He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,9Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he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, we encounter two powerful messages about responsibility, justice, and the call to humility. The first reading from Ezekiel emphasizes the importance of individual accountability before God. Ezekiel rejects the notion that one generation’s sins can determine the fate of another, insisting instead that each person is responsible for their own actions. He outlines the qualities of a just person—someone who avoids injustice, cares for the needy, and lives according to God’s ways. Ezekiel then calls the people to conversion, urging them to cast away their sins and seek a new heart and spirit. This passage reminds us that our choices matter and that God desires our repentance and renewal.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the humility and trust of children. Jesus rebukes his disciples for turning away the little ones, declaring that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of dependence on God. Just as Ezekiel calls for a new heart, Jesus invites us to rediscover the innocence and trust that allows us to receive God’s grace fully.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we taking responsibility for our actions, or do we shift blame? Are we living with justice and compassion toward others? And are we approaching God with the humility and trust of a child? Ezekiel’s call to conversion and Jesus’ blessing of the children remind us that God desires our hearts to be renewed and our spirits to be transformed. Let us strive to live in such a way that we reflect the justice, mercy, and humility that God calls us to, trusting in His promise of new life.