Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

When we hear the word “prophet” in everyday life, we typically think of a person who has some insight into the future, who can predict what will be; perhaps, even, a fortune teller of sorts. God tells Ezekiel in our first reading to continue to be a prophet, even when the people are no longer in exile. Even more, God tells him that the fate of the people lies in Ezekiel’s to continue to care and watch over them. 

As Christians, as members of Christ’s Body, we are called to continue the legacy of such a prophet as Ezekiel, to be prophets in our own day and to persevere in that call. We are called to be people who speak the truth, the truth that is Christ Jesus himself. It is a truth that is not always easy to speak. As St. Matthew reminds us in the Gospel, it is a truth that sometimes calls us to task and to mutual accountability.

Scripture Readings for September 10, 2023
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Romans13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20