In the first reading, the account of Ezekiel measuring the dimensions of the temple comes to a conclusion. When the full measurements have been completed, the guide takes Ezekiel to the east gate, where the prophet sees the return of God's glory to the reconstituted temple. God, who had departed the temple as the throne chariot by the east gate as a sign of judgement, now returns through the same gate as a sign of restoration. Ezekiel is overwhelmed and falls to his face but the spirit takes him to the inner court, where God speaks to the prophet promising to dwell in the midst of Israel forever.

In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the disciples and the people. The setting is the temple, where only days earlier, he had cleared of money lenders and sellers of sacrificial animals. He warns them to avoid the scribes and Pharisees, who are said to occupy the chair of Moses. This was the way of describing the seat of honour in the synagogue from which the teacher delivered his teaching. Jesus urges the audience to follow the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, but to avoid their hypocrisy and love of seeking privileged positions and prestigious titles. Then, Jesus reminds them that they have only one Teacher, Christ himself.

With the coming of Jesus, the glory of God has been restored in the temple. In and with him, the presence of God will dwell with the people forever. Indeed, Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with us.