Daily Readings - Sat Aug 13 2022
Ezekiel
1The word of the LORD came to me:2"What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: "'The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?3"As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.4For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son-both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.5"Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.6He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor's wife or lie with a woman during her period.7He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.8He does not lend at usury or take excessive interest. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between man and man.9He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.10"Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these other things13He lends at usury and takes excessive interest. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death and his blood will be on his own head.30"Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.31Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel?32For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
Matthew
13Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Sermon
In today's readings, Ezekiel and Matthew offer profound insights into our relationship with God, emphasizing personal responsibility and humility. Ezekiel's prophecy challenges the Israelites to move beyond blaming their ancestors for their suffering, instead urging each individual to take accountability for their actions. He calls for repentance and a new heart, promising life to those who turn from sin. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with the humility and innocence of children, blessing them and emphasizing the importance of a pure heart.
Ezekiel's message was directed to the Israelites in exile, countering the belief that their suffering was due to their fathers' sins. He stressed that each person's fate is determined by their own deeds, encouraging them to live justly and compassionately. Matthew's account captures Jesus teaching his disciples, highlighting the need for humility and trust, qualities exemplified by children. Both readings underscore the necessity of a personal, heartfelt response to God, whether through repentance or childlike faith.
In our daily lives, these teachings remind us to embrace personal responsibility, striving to live with justice and compassion. They call us to cultivate humility and openness, approaching God with the simplicity and trust of a child. Let us seek to live with sincere hearts, turning away from sin and embracing the opportunity for conversion, that we may truly live as children of God.