Daily Readings - Tue Aug 13 2024
Ezekiel
8But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."9Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll,10which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
1And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel."2So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.3Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.4He then said to me: "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them.
Matthew
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"2He called a little child and had him stand among them.3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Sermon
In today's readings, Ezekiel is called by God to prophesy to the Israelites, symbolizing his mission through the act of eating a scroll. This act represents accepting God's message and the responsibility to share it, despite the challenges he may face. In Matthew, Jesus teaches the importance of humility and care for the vulnerable, using a child as an example. He emphasizes that humility is key to entering the kingdom of heaven and that each person is precious to God, much like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep.
Both readings highlight themes of humility and care. Ezekiel's call reflects the humility required to serve God, while Matthew's lesson underscores the value of each individual. The shepherd's dedication to finding the lost sheep illustrates God's love and concern for all people.
Applying these teachings to daily life, we are reminded to approach life with humility and compassion. We should value every person, especially the vulnerable, and strive to bring them closer to God. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness lies in humility and selfless care for others, reflecting God's love in our actions.