First ReadingEzekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32
From the Book of Ezekiel
1The Lord’s word came to me again, saying,2“What do you mean,that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying,
‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
3“As I live,” says the Lord GOD,“you shall not use this proverb any more in Israel.4Behold, all souls are mine;as the soul of the father,so also the soul of the son is mine.The soul who sins, he shall die.
5“But if a man is just,and does that which is lawful and right,6and has not eaten on the mountains,hasn’t lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,hasn’t defiled his neighbor’s wife,hasn’t come near a woman in her impurity,7and has not wronged any,but has restored to the debtor his pledge,has taken nothing by robbery,has given his bread to the hungry,and has covered the naked with a garment;8he who hasn’t lent to them with interest,hasn’t taken any increase from them,who has withdrawn his hand from iniquity,has executed true justice between man and man,9has walked in my statutes,and has kept my ordinances,to deal truly;he is just,he shall surely live,” says the Lord GOD.
10“If he fathers a son who is a robber who sheds blood,and who does any one of these things,
verses 11–12 are not read13has lent with interest,and has taken increase from the poor,
shall he then live?He shall not live.He has done all these abominations.He shall surely die.His blood will be on him.
verses 14–29 are not read30“Therefore I will judge you,house of Israel, everyone according to his ways,”says the Lord GOD.“Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions,so iniquity will not be your ruin.31Cast away from you all your transgressions inwhich you have transgressed;and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit.For why will you die, house of Israel?32For I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies,”says the Lord GOD.“Therefore turn yourselves, and live!