Daily Readings - Tue Mar 18 2025
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:20But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.27Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.28And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.31And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.
Matthew
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
The readings today offer a powerful call to authenticity and humility in our relationship with God and with others. In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks to a people who have wandered far from God’s ways, calling them to repentance and a return to justice. He urges them to move beyond outward appearances of piety and instead embrace a life of genuine conversion, seeking to do good and uphold the vulnerable. Isaiah reminds us that our actions have consequences, and while God’s mercy is always available, it requires us to turn away from sin and toward justice.
In the Gospel, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they teach the law and emphasize outward signs of religiosity, their actions do not match their words. Jesus warns against the temptation to seek recognition and power, whether in religious or social contexts. He calls his followers to a different way: one of humility, service, and authenticity. True greatness, he says, is found in lowering ourselves and serving others, not in seeking titles or admiration.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we living out our faith in a way that reflects genuine love for God and neighbor, or are we content with superficial appearances? Do we seek to serve others, or do we hunger for recognition and status? Isaiah and Jesus remind us that true faith is not about outward show but about the condition of our hearts. Let us strive to live with humility, justice, and compassion, knowing that it is in surrendering our pride and embracing simplicity that we find true greatness in God’s eyes.