Daily Readings - Fri Mar 15 2019
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about God's mercy, justice, and our call to live righteous lives. Ezekiel's prophecy reminds us that our actions have consequences, yet God's mercy offers us the chance to change. It emphasizes that our current choices, not our past, define our relationship with God. This message of hope encourages us to reflect on our lives and seek positive change.
In Matthew, Jesus challenges us to a higher standard of righteousness than that of the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches that even our emotions, like anger, and our words have spiritual significance. The call to reconcile with others before worshiping underscores the importance of harmony in our relationships. This teaching pushes us beyond superficial obedience to a deeper commitment to love and justice.
These readings connect by highlighting personal responsibility and the need for positive action. Ezekiel urges repentance, while Matthew emphasizes reconciliation. Both remind us that our actions and attitudes matter. As we apply this to our lives, we are called to be mindful of how we treat others and to take initiative in mending relationships. The moral lesson is clear: God's justice and mercy call us to live justly and compassionately, embracing continuous conversion and reconciliation.