Daily Readings - Fri Feb 23 2018
Ezekiel
21"But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.22None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.23Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?24"But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die.25"Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?26If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die.27But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.28Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die.
Matthew
20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, 'is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of God’s profound mercy and the call to live with integrity and compassion. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear that even the most wayward person can turn back to God and live. Ezekiel emphasizes that it is not God’s will for anyone to perish but for all to repent and live. This passage underscores the justice and fairness of God, who judges each person based on their actions and their willingness to turn away from sin. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to remember that true justice comes from living according to God’s ways, not our own.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He teaches that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, who followed the law meticulously but often missed the spirit of it. Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include even the anger and insults that can lead to division and harm. He calls us to reconciliation, urging us to mend relationships even before offering worship. This teaching highlights the importance of living with love, humility, and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven.
Together, these readings invite us to examine our hearts and actions. Ezekiel reminds us that true conversion is possible and that God’s mercy is always available. Jesus, however, challenges us to go deeper, to not just avoid sin but to cultivate love and reconciliation in our daily lives. As we reflect on these words, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the kind of integrity and compassion that reflects God’s justice? Are we quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness? May we turn to God with open hearts, trusting in His mercy, and strive to live in a way that honors His call to love and holiness.