Daily Readings - Tue Mar 15 2022
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!16wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong,17learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.18"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.19If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;20but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.27Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.28But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.31The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire."
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.11The greatest among you will be your servant.12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
The readings today call us to reflect on the relationship between faith and actions. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a call to repentance, as the prophet addresses the corruption of Jerusalem's leaders. They are called to turn away from their hypocrisy and return to justice and righteousness. Isaiah emphasizes that true faith is not about outward appearances but about living justly, caring for the vulnerable, and seeking integrity. The prophet warns that without genuine change, the consequences will be severe.
In the Gospel, Matthew 23, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes, criticizing their hypocrisy. They teach God's law but fail to live it out, burdening others while failing to lift a finger to help. Jesus warns against seeking status and recognition, calling His followers to humility instead. He reminds us that true authority comes not from titles but from living out the truth in love and service.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like the Pharisees, more concerned with appearances than authentic faith? Do we use our faith to lift others up or to elevate ourselves? The readings call us to live with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice. As we go about our days, may we strive to live in a way that reflects the love and humility of Christ, seeking to serve rather than be served.