Daily Readings - Tue Aug 21 2018
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came to me:2"Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'In the pride of your heart you say, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas." But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.3Are you wiser than Daniel? Is no secret hidden from you?4By your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth for yourself and amassed gold and silver in your treasuries.5By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud.6"'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god,7I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor.8They will bring you down to the pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.9Will you then say, "I am a god," in the presence of those who kill you? You will be but a man, not a god, in the hands of those who slay you.10You will die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners. I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD.'"
Matthew
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."27Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dangers of pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency, while also offering hope in God’s providence and the promise of eternal life. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear a prophetic condemnation of the leader of Tyre, who has become so enamored with his own power and wisdom that he claims to be like God. Ezekiel warns that such arrogance will lead to a fall, as God will send foreigners to humble him. This passage reminds us that no matter how accomplished or powerful we may become, we are still human, and our strength and wisdom are gifts from God, not our own creation.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the challenges of wealth and the kingdom of heaven. He says that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom of God. This startling statement shocks the disciples, who wonder how anyone can be saved if wealth is such an obstacle. Jesus responds by emphasizing that while this is impossible for humans, it is possible with God. Peter then asks what will happen to those who have left everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus assures them that they will be rewarded abundantly in eternal life. However, he also warns that many who seem first in this world will be last in the kingdom, and the last will be first.
These readings are connected by the theme of humility and trust in God. Ezekiel’s warning against pride and Jesus’ teaching on wealth both call us to recognize our limitations and to rely on God rather than our own strength or possessions. In our daily lives, we are tempted to trust in what we can see and control—our wealth, our achievements, our status. But the readings remind us that true strength comes from humility and faith. Let us ask ourselves: Do we recognize our dependence on God, or do we act as if we are self-sufficient? Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments to follow Christ more closely? The promise of eternal life is not about what we have, but about who we trust. May we learn to trust in God’s providence and to live with humility, knowing that true greatness is found in serving others and following Christ.