Daily Readings - Tue Aug 16 2022
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons on pride and humility. Ezekiel’s oracle against the leader of Tyre condemns the arrogance of one who claimed divinity, leading to his downfall. This serves as a warning against the dangers of pride, which blinds us to our true nature and leads to ruin. In contrast, Matthew’s Gospel presents Jesus teaching on the challenges of wealth and the rewards of humility. He emphasizes that while wealth can be an obstacle to salvation, true riches lie in following Him, promising eternal life to those who surrender worldly attachments.
Both readings highlight the importance of humility. Ezekiel’s prophecy illustrates how pride can lead to destruction, while Jesus’ teachings show that humility is essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. The leader of Tyre’s demise contrasts sharply with the disciples’ willingness to leave everything behind for Jesus, demonstrating that true greatness comes from humility and trust in God.
In our daily lives, these lessons remind us to cultivate humility and avoid the pitfalls of pride. We are called to recognize our limitations and trust in God’s providence. Let us reflect on our own lives, ensuring that our hearts remain humble and our priorities aligned with God’s will. By embracing humility, we open ourselves to God’s grace and the promise of eternal life.