Daily Readings - Fri Mar 14 2025
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of personal responsibility and moral integrity. Ezekiel emphasizes that our actions shape our destiny, urging us to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness. He counters the belief that one suffers for another's sins, highlighting individual accountability. This message underscores God's justice, where each person's choices determine their fate.
In the Gospel, Matthew expands on this theme as Jesus teaches that true righteousness goes beyond outward actions. He deepens the commandment against murder to include anger and insults, stressing the need for reconciliation. Jesus illustrates this by advising us to mend relationships before worship and to resolve disputes promptly, highlighting the consequences of unresolved conflicts.
Both readings connect through their focus on personal responsibility and the depth of moral integrity required. Ezekiel's call to individual accountability aligns with Jesus' emphasis on heartfelt righteousness. They remind us that our choices have consequences and that we must actively seek reconciliation and live with integrity.
In daily life, this means recognizing the impact of our actions and attitudes, turning away from sin, and seeking forgiveness. We are called to reflect on our interactions, ensuring they are marked by love and respect. The moral lesson is clear: God's justice is fair, and our commitment to holiness and reconciliation is essential. Let us strive to live in accordance with these teachings, embracing the justice and mercy that define God's love.