Daily Readings - Fri Feb 23 2024
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
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of justice, repentance, and the importance of our actions and intentions. In Ezekiel, we hear a message of hope and responsibility. The prophet emphasizes that God’s justice is fair and that each individual is accountable for their choices. Ezekiel makes it clear that repentance can lead to life, while stubbornness in sin leads to death. This passage was directed to the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, addressing their misconception that God was unfair. Ezekiel clarifies that true justice lies in personal moral choices and the opportunity for repentance.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further in His Sermon on the Mount. He teaches that righteousness must come from the heart, beyond mere outward compliance with the law. Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include even anger and insults, highlighting the importance of reconciling with others before offering worship. This teaching underscores that true righteousness involves inner virtues like love, mercy, and reconciliation, not just adherence to rules.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived out in our actions and attitudes. We are called to examine our hearts, seek reconciliation, and live justly. Let us strive to cultivate a heart that seeks peace and love, remembering that true righteousness is not just about following rules but about living compassionately and justly in our daily lives.