Daily Readings - Wed Aug 29 2018
Jeremiah
17Therefore, you should gird your waist, and rise up, and speak to them everything that I instruct you. You should not have dread before their face. For I will cause you to be unafraid of their countenance18For certainly, this day, I have made you like a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and a brass wall, over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, and to the priests, and to the people of the land19And they will make war against you, but they will not prevail. For I am with you, says the Lord, so that I may free you.
Mark
17For Herod himself had sent to capture John, and had chained him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; for he had married her18For John was saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.19Now Herodias was devising treachery against him; and she wanted to kill him, but she was unable20For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly21And when an opportune time had arrived, Herod held a feast on his birthday, with the leaders, and the tribunes, and the first rulers of Galilee22And when the daughter of the same Herodias had entered, and danced, and pleased Herod, along with those who were at table with him, the king said to the girl, "Request from me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.23And he swore to her, "Anything that you request, I will give to you, even up to half my kingdom.24And when she had gone out, she said to her mother, "What shall I request?" But her mother said, "The head of John the Baptist.25And immediately, when she had entered with haste to the king, she petitioned him, saying: "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.26And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who were sitting with him at table, he was not willing to disappoint her27So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter28And he beheaded him in prison, and he brought his head on a platter. And he gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it her mother29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and they placed it in a tomb
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories that call us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the cost of standing up for what is right. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet’s call to speak God’s word boldly, even in the face of opposition. Jeremiah is told to “gird his waist” and not shrink from the challenges ahead, for God promises to be with him and protect him. This passage reminds us that our faith is not a passive belief but an active commitment to living out God’s will, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a stark contrast in the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, calling Herod to account for his sinful actions. Despite knowing the danger, John remained steadfast in his conviction, and his integrity ultimately cost him his life. This story challenges us to examine our own willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. Herod’s fear of losing face and his willingness to break his oath to please others reveal the destructive power of pride and cowardice.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Jeremiah, we are called to be courageous in sharing God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like John the Baptist, we are reminded that integrity and fidelity to God’s will may lead us to face challenges, but they are the foundation of a life lived with purpose and meaning. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult? Do we trust in God’s presence and protection as we navigate the trials of life? May we draw strength from these examples and strive to live with the courage and integrity they inspire.