Daily Readings - Sat Aug 20 2022
Ezekiel
1Then the man brought me to the gate facing east,2and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory.3The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when he came to destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown.4The glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east.5Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.6While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple.7He said: "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel will never again defile my holy name-neither they nor their kings-by their prostitution and the lifeless idols of their kings at their high places.
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about divine presence and true leadership. Ezekiel's vision in the first reading describes the glory of God returning to the temple, a symbol of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites. This vision underscores God's promise to dwell among His people, emphasizing the need for holiness and reverence. The temple, once defiled, is now filled with God's glory, signifying a new era of divine presence and covenant renewal.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples, critiquing the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy. He highlights the disparity between their outward piety and inward corruption, stressing the importance of humility and sincerity. Jesus teaches that true authority comes not from titles or appearances but from serving others. He warns against seeking power and recognition, instead advocating for a life of genuine faith and selfless service.
These readings intersect in their themes of divine presence and authentic leadership. Ezekiel's vision reminds us of God's desire to dwell among us, while Jesus teaches us how to live in a way that reflects this presence—through humility and integrity. In our daily lives, we are called to create a sacred space within ourselves for God, living with sincerity and serving others without seeking glory. Let us strive to embody humility and authenticity, allowing God's glory to shine through our actions and hearts.