Daily Readings - Fri Feb 26 2021
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, Ezekiel and Matthew guide us toward a deeper understanding of righteousness and reconciliation. Ezekiel emphasizes God’s desire for life and repentance, urging us to turn from sin to live justly. Matthew, in the Sermon on the Mount, sets a higher standard for righteousness, focusing on internal attitudes and reconciliation, warning against the dangers of unresolved anger.
Both readings highlight the importance of personal responsibility and moral integrity. Ezekiel’s context is one of hope for the Israelites, stressing that repentance can lead to life. Matthew’s context is Jesus teaching that true righteousness surpasses external actions, requiring us to address our internal states and relationships. Together, they remind us that our actions and attitudes have spiritual consequences.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to self-reflection and seeking reconciliation. We must examine our actions and attitudes, ensuring they align with God’s will. The moral lesson is clear: genuine repentance and maintaining right relationships are essential. Let us strive to live with integrity, seeking reconciliation and reflecting God’s love in our daily interactions.