First Reading

Reading from the prophecy of Ezekiel

Ezekiel 24, 15-24

The Lord spoke to me and said: “Son of man, I am about to suddenly take away your wife, the delight of your eyes; but do not weep or mourn or shed tears; grieve in silence, without mourning; put on your turban and sandals; do not cover your face or eat the food of mourners”.

In the morning I was speaking to the people, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did what the Lord had commanded me. Then the people asked me: “Will you explain to us what you are doing?” I answered them: “The Lord has said to me: ‘Tell the house of Israel that the Lord says this: I am about to profane my sanctuary, which is the pride of your eyes, the delight of your eyes, and the love of your heart. Your sons and daughters will die by the sword. Then you will do what Ezekiel has done: you will not cover your face or eat the food of mourners; you will keep your turban on your head and your sandals on your feet; you will not weep or mourn; you will waste away because of your guilt and lament to one another. Ezekiel will be an example to you; you will do the same as he has done. And when this happens, you will know that I am the Lord God’ ”.

Gospel

Reading from the holy gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 19, 16-22

At that time, a young man approached Jesus and asked him: “Teacher, what good things must I do to obtain eternal life?” Jesus answered him: “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only one is good: God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He replied: “Which ones?”

Jesus said to him: You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother, love your neighbor as yourself.

Then the young man said to him: “All this I have kept since my childhood; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me.” When the young man heard these words, he went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.