Daily Readings - Sun Sep 06 2020
Ezekiel
7"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.8When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.9But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Romans
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery,Do not murder,Do not steal,Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Matthew
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of responsibility, love, and community. Ezekiel is called as a watchman, tasked with warning the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of speaking up to save others from sin. The consequences of not fulfilling this duty are severe, highlighting the weight of responsibility. In Romans, Paul explains that love is the essence of the law, encompassing all commandments and doing no harm. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to the well-being of others. The Gospel from Matthew outlines a process for correcting a brother who has sinned, emphasizing patience, community involvement, and the power of collective prayer, with Jesus present in gatherings of two or three.
These readings connect through the thread of love as action. Ezekiel's role as a watchman is an act of love, urging others to turn from sin. Paul's message in Romans underscores that love is the fulfillment of the law, guiding our interactions with others. Matthew's instruction on correction is rooted in loving concern for a brother's spiritual well-being, using community and prayer to restore relationships.
In daily life, these teachings call us to be mindful of our influence on others, to act with love, and to engage with our community in supportive ways. We are reminded that love is not passive but active, involving correction and care. The moral lesson is clear: our faith is lived through responsible action and loving service to others, reflecting God's presence in our midst.