First Reading

Reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel 

Ezekiel 18:21-28

Thus says the Lord: «If the sinner turns from the sins committed, keeps my statutes and practices righteousness and justice, he will surely live and not die; I will not remember the wrongs he has committed; he will live because of the righteousness he has practiced. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, none of the righteous acts they have done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die. And if they say, ‘The Lord’s way is not just,’ hear, house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

When a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits wickedness, they will die for it; because of the wickedness they have done, they will die. And if a sinner turns from the evil they have done and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live and not die.»

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 5:20-26

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: «I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago: You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.»