Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 17, 2024

Date: Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32

The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, what is the meaning of this proverb that you recite in the land of Israel:

“Fathers have eaten green grapes,

thus their children’s teeth are on edge”?

As I live, says the Lord GOD: I swear that there shall no longer be anyone among you who will repeat this proverb in Israel. For all lives are mine; the life of the father is like the life of the son, both are mine; only the one who sins shall die.

If a man is virtuous—if he does what is right and just, if he does not eat on the mountains, nor raise his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel; if he does not defile his neighbor’s wife, nor have relations with a woman in her menstrual period; if he oppresses no one, gives back the pledge received for a debt, commits no robbery; if he gives food to the hungry and clothes the naked; if he does not lend at interest nor exact usury; if he holds off from evildoing, judges fairly between a man and his opponent; if he lives by my statutes and is careful to observe my ordinances, that man is virtuous—he shall surely live, says the Lord GOD.

But if he begets a son who is a thief, a murderer, or lends at interest and exacts usury– this son certainly shall not live. Because he practiced all these abominations, he shall surely die; his death shall be his own fault.

Therefore, I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his ways, says the Lord GOD. Turn and be converted from all your crimes, that they may be no cause of guilt for you. Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord GOD. Return and live!

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is drawn from the Prophet Ezekiel. This text reveals the LORD’s desire for us to live as well as the consequences for sin. The LORD begins with a proverb that suggests that the LORD punishes the children (subsequent generations) for the sins of the elders. The LORD sets the record straight; the LORD will judge each of us according to our own actions and choices. However, the LORD holds out the hope of conversion, of turning away from sin, returning to the LORD, and living because the LORD is merciful.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Though I try to walk according to the LORD’s commandments, do I admit my sin, seek the LORD’s mercy, and change my way?

Praying:

LORD, though I love You, I am a sinner. Give me the humility and trust to confess my sins, to seek your mercy and grace, and to turn away from that which is not your will for me and turn toward You and your love. Amen.