Daily Readings - Sat Aug 18 2018
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came to me:2"What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: "'The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?3"As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.4For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son-both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.5"Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.6He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor's wife or lie with a woman during her period.7He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.8He does not lend at usury or take excessive interest. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between man and man.9He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.10"Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these other things13He lends at usury and takes excessive interest. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death and his blood will be on his own head.30"Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.31Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel?32For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
Matthew
13Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Sermon
In today's readings, Ezekiel and Matthew guide us on a journey of personal responsibility and humility, essential for our spiritual growth. Ezekiel emphasizes that each individual is accountable for their actions, not bound by the sins of their ancestors. He calls for repentance, urging us to cast away our transgressions and seek a new heart and spirit. This message, directed to the Israelites in exile, reminds us that our moral choices shape our destiny and that we have the power to change our path.
In Matthew, Jesus teaches us about the importance of humility and trust. By welcoming children, he illustrates that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with innocence and dependence. This lesson, taught during Jesus' ministry, highlights the need for humility in our relationship with God, mirroring Ezekiel's call for personal accountability.
Together, these readings remind us to reflect on our actions and attitudes. We are called to take responsibility for our sins and seek repentance, while also embracing humility and trust in God. Our spiritual journey is personal, requiring us to approach God with the innocence of a child and to own our moral choices. Let us strive to live with accountability and humility, recognizing that our relationship with God is both deeply personal and profoundly transformative.