Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 18, 2019
First Reading: Jeremiah 38.4-6, 8-10
4And the leaders said to the king: "We petition you to put this man to death. For he is deliberately weakening the hands of the men of war, who have remained in this city, and the hands of the people, by speaking to them with these words. For this man is certainly not seeking peace for this people, but evil.5And king Zedekiah said: "Behold, he is in your hands. For it is not fitting for the king to deny you anything.6Therefore, they took Jeremiah and cast him into the pit of Malchiah, the son of Amelech, which was at the entrance to the prison. And they lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the pit, in which there was no water, but only mud. And so Jeremiah descended into the mire8And so Ebedmelech departed from the king’s house, and he spoke to the king, saying9"My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have perpetrated against Jeremiah the prophet, casting him into the pit so that he would die there from famine. For there is no more bread in the city.10And so the king instructed Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian, saying: "Take with you thirty men from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet from the pit, before he dies.
Psalm 40
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David himself. I have waited expectantly for the Lord, and he was attentive to me2And he heard my prayers and he led me out of the pit of misery and the quagmire. And he stationed my feet upon a rock, and he directed my steps3And he sent a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many will see, and they will fear; and they will hope in the Lord4Blessed is the man whose hope is in the name of the Lord, and who has no respect for vanities and absurd falsehoods5You have accomplished your many wonders, O Lord my God, and there is no one similar to you in your thoughts. I have announced and I have spoken: they are multiplied beyond number6Sacrifice and oblation, you did not want. But you have perfected ears for me. Holocaust and sin offering, you did not require7Then I said, "Behold, I draw near." At the head of the book, it has been written of me8that I should do your will. My God, I have willed it. And your law is in the midst of my heart9I have announced your justice in a great Church: behold, I will not restrain my lips. O Lord, you have known it10I have not concealed your justice within my heart. I have spoken your truth and your salvation. I have not concealed your mercy and your truth from a great assembly11O Lord, do not take your tender mercies far from me. Your mercy and your truth ever sustain me12For evils without number have surrounded me. My iniquities have taken hold of me, and I was not able to see. They have been multiplied beyond the hairs of my head. And my heart has forsaken me13Be pleased, O Lord, to rescue me. Look down, O Lord, to help me14Let them together be confounded and awed, who seek after my soul to steal it away. Let them be turned back and be in awe, who wish evils upon me15Let them bear their confusion all at once, who say to me, "Well, well.16Let all who seek you exult and rejoice over you. And let those who love your salvation always say, "May the Lord be magnified.17But I am a beggar and poor. The Lord has been concerned about me. You are my helper and my protector. My God, do not delay
Second Reading: Hebrews 12.1-4
1Furthermore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses over us, let us set aside every burden and sin which may surround us, and advance, through patience, to the struggle offered to us2Let us gaze upon Jesus, as the Author and the completion of our faith, who, having joy laid out before him, endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and who now sits at the right hand of the throne of God3So then, meditate upon him who endured such adversity from sinners against himself, so that you may not become weary, failing in your souls4For you have not yet resisted unto blood, while striving against sin
Gospel: Luke 12.49-53
49I have come to cast a fire upon the earth. And what should I desire, except that it may be kindled50And I have a baptism, with which I am to be baptized. And how I am constrained, even until it may be accomplished51Do you think that I have come to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division52For from this time on, there will be five in one house: divided as three against two, and as two against three53A father will be divided against a son, and a son against his father; a mother against a daughter and a daughter against a mother; a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that challenge us to reflect on our faith and its implications in our lives. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet facing severe persecution for speaking unwelcome truths, yet his rescue by Ebedmelech highlights the courage and compassion that can emerge in dire situations. This story underscores the cost of standing up for one's beliefs and the importance of intervening on behalf of others in need.
The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to persevere through life's struggles by looking to the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. It reminds us that our journey of faith is not solitary but supported by a community that has endured similar trials. Jesus, as the ultimate example, shows us that true commitment to our faith can lead to transformative power, even in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus' message about the divisive nature of his mission. This passage challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment to our faith, recognizing that it may lead to difficult choices and conflicts, even within our closest relationships. Yet, it is through these challenges that our faith is refined and strengthened.
These readings interrelate by emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the courage required to stand by our beliefs. Jeremiah's ordeal, the encouragement from Hebrews, and Jesus' message all point to the enduring strength found in perseverance and trust in God. In our daily lives, we may face situations where our faith leads to conflict or hardship. The sermon invites us to embrace these challenges with courage, trusting in God's providence and the support of our faith community.
The moral lesson here is one of steadfastness and hope. Just as Jeremiah found rescue through Ebedmelech and Jesus endured the cross for our sake, we too can find the strength to overcome any struggle. Our faith calls us to stand firm, trusting that God will provide the grace needed to navigate life's trials. Let us draw inspiration from these examples, living our faith with courage and resilience, knowing that we are part of a larger community that upholds and supports us.