Tuesday of the Second Week

Reflection

In today’s first reading, Isaiah speaks forcefully — we can hear him shouting at us.  “Hear the word of the Lord!  Listen to the instruction of our God!  Wash yourselves clean!”  He softens somewhat and admonishes us to “Cease doing evil; learn to do good.”  Then, we are gently invited to “Come now, let us set things right.”  His message is though we have strayed, redemption is within our reach.  “Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow… if you are willing, and obey.”  Continuing the theme, the responsorial psalm reminds us that our failings are not invisible to the All-Knowing, who offers salvation when we correct our ways.  Matthew then cautions that obedience to the Lord must, however, be genuine, without pretension.  We are to avoid living in a showy manner mouthing the words we have learned but failing to live by them.  We are urged to live humbly and follow Christ — our one teacher, our sole father, our only master.  Jesus reminds us that our humanness is in the image of the divine and there is no need to embellish on what is born in perfection. And, although we live lives of imperfection, our imperfection lacks permanence — if we humble ourselves and seek God’s forgiveness and direction.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to seek stillness and to listen.

Help us to discern Your message as we hear it.

If we have good to teach, help us to teach.

If there is good to learn, help us to learn.

If there is good to be done, help us to do good.

If there is a burden to be borne, help us to bear it.

All in humble service to You and to one another.

Amen

Churchill Hindes, ‘69, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website