Daily Readings - Fri Apr 12 2019
Jeremiah
7"You have led me away, O Lord, and I have been led away. You have been stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a derision all day long; everyone mocks me10For I heard the insults of many, and terror all around: ‘Persecute him!’ and, ‘Let us persecute him!’ from all the men who had been at peace with me and who had kept watch by my side. ‘If only there were some way that he might be deceived, and we might prevail against him and obtain vengeance from him!11But the Lord is with me, like a strong warrior. For this reason, those who persecute me will fall, and they will be ineffective. They will be greatly confounded. For they have not understood the everlasting disgrace that will never be wiped away12And you, O Lord of hosts, the Tester of the just, who sees the temperament and the heart: I beg you to let me see your vengeance upon them. For I have revealed my case to you13Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For he has freed the soul of the poor from the hand of the wicked
John
31Therefore, the Jews took up stones, in order to stone him32Jesus answered them: "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?33The Jews answered him: "We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy and because, though you are a man, you make yourself God.34Jesus responded to them: "Is it not written in your law, ‘I said: you are gods?35If he called those to whom the word of God was given gods, and Scripture cannot be broken36why do you say, about him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You have blasphemed,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?37If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe in me38But if I do them, even if you are not willing to believe in me, believe the works, so that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.39Therefore, they sought to apprehend him, but he escaped from their hands40And he went again across the Jordan, to that place where John first was baptizing. And he lodged there41And many went out to him. And they were saying: "Indeed, John accomplished no signs42But all things whatsoever that John said about this man were true." And many believed in him
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and trust in God. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet in a moment of deep anguish, expressing his lament and the persecution he endures. Despite his suffering, Jeremiah places his trust in God, acknowledging His strength and justice. This trust is not passive; it is an active choice to rely on God even when circumstances seem dire.
In the Gospel, Jesus faces a similar challenge as He defends His divine identity against those who seek to stone Him. Jesus emphasizes His works as evidence of His union with the Father, urging His adversaries to believe in Him through these signs. This exchange highlights the tension between rejection and revelation, as Jesus' message is met with both hostility and belief.
Both readings remind us that our faith is tested in times of trial. Jeremiah's perseverance and Jesus' steadfastness in the face of opposition encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when we face challenges. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this trust, recognizing that God's presence and strength are our constants amidst life's uncertainties. Let us draw strength from these examples, persevering in faith and trusting that God's justice and love will prevail.