Daily Readings - Mon Aug 17 2020
Ezekiel
15The word of the LORD came to me:16"Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears.17Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners."18So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I had been commanded.19Then the people asked me, "Won't you tell us what these things have to do with us?"20So I said to them, "The word of the LORD came to me:21Say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary-the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.22And you will do as I have done. You will not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners.23You will keep your turbans on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep but will waste away because of your sins and groan among yourselves.24Ezekiel will be a sign to you; you will do just as he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.'
Matthew
16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."18"Which ones?" the man inquired.19Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons on faith and surrender. Ezekiel, in the first reading, is called by God to endure the loss of his wife without mourning, serving as a sign to the Israelites of the impending desolation of the Temple. This act symbolizes the people's spiritual exile and their need to recognize their sins. Ezekiel's obedience, despite personal grief, illustrates unwavering trust in God's plan.
In the Gospel, a rich young man seeks eternal life and is told by Jesus to follow the commandments and then to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man's hesitation reveals the struggle between outward righteousness and inner attachment to wealth. This story highlights the challenge of complete surrender to God's will.
These readings remind us to trust in God's providence, even in difficult circumstances, and to examine our attachments. Ezekiel's obedience and the young man's hesitation teach us that true discipleship requires sacrifice and detachment. Let us reflect on our own lives, letting go of what hinders our relationship with God, and trust in His divine plan.