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Monday, August 20, 2012

August 18, 2012 Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32 – Individual Retribution / Matthew 19:13-15 – Jesus Blesses Little Children


Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32 – Individual Retribution

The word of the Lord came to me, “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel. “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?” As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine; it is only the person who sins that shall die. 
If a man is righteous and does what is lawful and right – if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel; does not defile  his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her menstrual period; do not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge; commits no robbery; give his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, does not take advance or accrued interest; withholds his hand from iniquity; executes true justice between contending parties; follows my statues, and is careful to observe my ordinances, acting faithfully-such a one is righteous; he shall surely live, says the Lord God.
Therefore, I will judge you, o house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, say the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. Cast always from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live.

Matthew 19:13-15 – Jesus Blesses Little Children

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

The homily is about Jesus'  love for the little children. Jesus expects us to provide the best for our children to grow. God provides the covenant of marriage in which children can develop values. Jesus teaches us to be like little children. In the first reading, Jesus’ message  is to opt for the spiritual and live below our means as He wants us to imitate him and live faithfully. We need God continuously so let us extend our hearts to those who needs help.


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