lectionary #424. Scripture reflection for Sat. in 20th week, Year II...

Scripture: Ezekiel 43:1-7. Psalm 85:9-10.11-12.13-14. Matthew 23:1-12.
Lectionary # 424:

This is our last reading from Ezekiel in our liturgical continuous
readings. It is a superb passage that talks about his final vision which
describes the restoration of the Temple after the Exile in Babylon. He
helps us to celebrate this event by focusing upon the Glory of God. Ezekiel
has had three visions of the Glory of God; this is the final one which is
mystically presented through nine glimpses into the presence of God. The
final words are very important in today's passage and give great hope to
the People of God, including ourselves. God is speaking to Ezekiel, "Son of
man, this is where I will set the soles of my feet; here I will dwell among
the Israelites forever." (Ez.43:7).
The Psalm refrain keeps this vision alive with this prayer: "The
glory of the Lord will dwell in our land." (Ps.85:10). We could pray the
entire psalm while meditating on the presence of God within our hearts and
homes.
When we read chapter 23 of Matthew, we should realize that there is
need to offset any form of anti-semitism that may linger in our minds when
we hear negative remarks about the Pharisees and scribes. It is better
for Christians to put themselves in the place of the Pharisees and scribes
and take the remarks of the Evangelist as a corrective for our own
behavior. Jesus himself and Matthew were Pharisees in their beliefs that
are expressed as acceptance of the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings,
the existence of angels, and the belief in a bodily resurrection. We are
not to judge others but ourselves as we read this chapter of Matthew.
Jesus is telling us to observe everything that the prophets and
commandments declare and to follow the positive call of loving our neighbor
as ourselves. The final message of Jesus in this passage from Matthew
would be a good one to live out this day, "The greatest among you will be
the one who serves the rest. Whoever exalts oneself shall be humbled, but
whoever humbles oneself shall be exalted." Amen.