Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 17, 2024
First Reading: Ezekiel 18.1-10, 13b, 30-32
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!
Psalm 51
1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.5Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.6Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.7Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.9Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.13Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.14Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.15O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.16You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.18In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.19Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Gospel: Matthew 19.13-15
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, we encounter two powerful messages about responsibility, justice, and the call to humility. The first reading from Ezekiel emphasizes the importance of individual accountability before God. Ezekiel rejects the notion that one generation’s sins can determine the fate of another, insisting instead that each person is responsible for their own actions. He outlines the qualities of a just person—someone who avoids injustice, cares for the needy, and lives according to God’s ways. Ezekiel then calls the people to conversion, urging them to cast away their sins and seek a new heart and spirit. This passage reminds us that our choices matter and that God desires our repentance and renewal.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the humility and trust of children. Jesus rebukes his disciples for turning away the little ones, declaring that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of dependence on God. Just as Ezekiel calls for a new heart, Jesus invites us to rediscover the innocence and trust that allows us to receive God’s grace fully.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we taking responsibility for our actions, or do we shift blame? Are we living with justice and compassion toward others? And are we approaching God with the humility and trust of a child? Ezekiel’s call to conversion and Jesus’ blessing of the children remind us that God desires our hearts to be renewed and our spirits to be transformed. Let us strive to live in such a way that we reflect the justice, mercy, and humility that God calls us to, trusting in His promise of new life.