Friday of the First Week
Ezekiel reminds us that God uses prophets as they are, adapting their personalities to suit His purpose. He needed someone strong who would make a vivid impression on the doubting exiles. Ezekiel was one of the most colorful personalities in the bible. He put a spin on parables and acted out his message in pantomime while mimicking the fugitives. Even his calling was dramatic, not simply a touching of his lips as in the cases of Jeremiah and Isaiah. Ezekiel received a scroll, was told to eat and digest the scroll and then to preach what was written on it. Ezekiel’s eccentric behavior helped him to win over the crowd.
Today, Ezekiel focuses on the principle of individual responsibility. He tries to convince the exiles that their personal sins play a part in their misfortunes. Israel must repent, to be saved. We also believe that we will be judged on our own merits, on our present and future actions, and on the choices, we make. With Psalm 130 we pray for the Lord to hear us, and we trust in the Lord’s kindness to forgive us for our poor choices.
In Matthew, Jesus makes it very clear what choices we must make to be saved. We must reconcile with our brother or sister and settle with our opponent in order to participate in the SACRIFICE, the celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Prayer
God, Creator, Father, forgive me. May I experience Your Redemptive Love as I participate in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Your Son Jesus, Who lives with You in the Unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Janice Couture, Worshipping Community
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
