Daily Readings - Tue Aug 11 2020
Ezekiel
8But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."9Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll,10which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
1And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel."2So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.3Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.4He then said to me: "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them.
Matthew
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"2He called a little child and had him stand among them.3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to humility and the responsibility of caring for one another in God’s kingdom. In the first reading, Ezekiel is commissioned by God to speak to the people of Israel, despite their resistance. He is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the Word of God, which becomes sweet in his mouth but also a heavy burden to carry. This passage emphasizes the prophet’s role as a messenger of God’s truth, even when the message is difficult to hear. Ezekiel’s call reminds us that we, too, are called to share God’s Word, though it may require courage and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Using the image of a little child, he shows that greatness in God’s eyes comes not from power or status, but from simplicity, trust, and openness to God. Jesus also warns against despising the “little ones,” emphasizing that each person is precious in God’s sight. The parable of the lost sheep reinforces this message, highlighting the joy of finding what was lost and the Father’s desire that none be lost. Together, these passages call us to live with humility, compassion, and a deep concern for the well-being of others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace humility and to care for those around us, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Like Ezekiel, we are called to share God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like the disciples, we are invited to approach life with the simplicity and trust of a child, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. May we strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and concern for all, especially those who feel lost or forgotten.