Daily Readings - Tue Aug 18 2020
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 importance of humility. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear a prophetic condemnation of the king of Tyre, who has allowed his wealth and power to lead him into arrogance. Ezekiel warns that the king’s pride has blinded him to his true nature as a human being, and his refusal to acknowledge God’s sovereignty will lead to his downfall. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the necessity of remaining humble in the face of God’s greatness.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues this theme when he speaks to his disciples about the challenges of wealth. He famously 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 heaven. This teaching shocks the disciples, who struggle to understand how anyone can be saved if wealth is such an obstacle. Jesus reassures them that while this may seem impossible from a human perspective, with God, all things are possible. Peter then asks about the reward for those who have left everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus responds by promising eternal life and a share in the glory of the kingdom to those who have sacrificed for his name. He also reminds them that many who seem first in this world will be last in the next.
These readings remind us that true greatness in God’s eyes is not measured by wealth, status, or power, but by humility and trust in God. The king of Tyre fell because he forgot that his strength and wisdom were gifts from God, not qualities he could claim as his own. Similarly, Jesus warns that attachment to material possessions can blind us to what truly matters. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we allowing pride or materialism to take the place of God? Let us strive to cultivate humility, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. Let us also remember that true fulfillment and joy come not from what we possess, but from living in accordance with God’s will and trusting in his providence.